22:1   Eliphaz from Teman said:

22:2   What use are we humans to God, even the wisest of us?

22:3   If you were completely sinless, that would still mean nothing to God All-Powerful.

22:4   Is he correcting you for worshiping him?

22:5   No! It's because of your terrible sins.

22:6   To guarantee payment of a debt, you have taken clothes from the poor.

22:7   And you refused bread and water to the hungry and thirsty,

22:8   although you were rich, respected, and powerful.

22:9   You have turned away widows and have broken the arms of orphans.

22:10   That's why you were suddenly trapped by terror,

22:11   blinded by darkness, and drowned in a flood.

22:12   God lives in the heavens above the highest stars, where he sees everything.

22:13   Do you think the deep darkness hides you from God?

22:14   Do thick clouds cover his eyes, as he walks around heaven's dome high above the earth?

22:15   Give up those ancient ideas believed by sinners,

22:16   who were swept away without warning.

22:17   They rejected God All-Powerful, feeling he was helpless,

22:18   although he had been kind to their families. The beliefs of these sinners are truly disgusting.

22:19   When God's people see the godless swept away, they celebrate,

22:20   saying, "Our enemies are gone, and fire has destroyed their possessions."

22:21   Surrender to God All-Powerful! You will find peace and prosperity.

22:22   Listen to his teachings and take them to heart.

22:23   If you return to God and turn from sin, all will go well for you.

22:24   So get rid of your finest gold, as though it were sand.

22:25   Let God All-Powerful be your silver and gold,

22:26   and you will find happiness by worshiping him.

22:27   God will answer your prayers, and you will keep the promises you made to him.

22:28   He will do whatever you ask, and life will be bright.

22:29   When others are disgraced, God will clear their names in answer to your prayers.

22:30   Even those who are guilty will be forgiven, because you obey God.