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. |