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22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite made answer and said, 22:2 Is it possible for a man to be of profit to God? No, for a man's wisdom is only of profit to himself. 22:3 Is it of any interest to the Ruler of all that you are upright? or is it of use to him that your ways are without sin? 22:4 Is it because you give him honour that he is sending punishment on you and is judging you? 22:5 Is not your evil-doing great? and there is no end to your sins. 22:6 For you have taken your brother's goods when he was not in your debt, and have taken away the clothing of those who have need of it. 22:7 You do not give water to the tired traveller, and from him who has no food you keep back bread. 22:8 For it was the man with power who had the land, and the man with an honoured name who was living in it. 22:9 You have sent widows away without hearing their cause, and you have taken away the support of the child who has no father. 22:10 For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear. 22:11 Your light is made dark so that you are unable to see, and you are covered by a mass of waters. 22:12 Is not God as high as heaven? and see the stars, how high they are! 22:13 And you say, What knowledge has God? is he able to give decisions through the deep dark? 22:14 Thick clouds are covering him, so that he is unable to see; and he is walking on the arch of heaven. 22:15 Will you keep the old way by which evil men went? 22:16 Who were violently taken away before their time, who were overcome by the rush of waters: 22:17 Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us? 22:18 Though he made their houses full of good things: but the purpose of the evil-doers is far from me! 22:19 The upright saw it and were glad: and those who had done no wrong made sport of them, 22:20 Saying, Truly, their substance is cut off, and their wealth is food for the fire. 22:21 Put yourself now in a right relation with him and be at peace: so will you do well in your undertakings. 22:22 Be pleased to take teaching from his mouth, and let his words be stored up in your heart. 22:23 If you come back to the Ruler of all, making yourself low before him; if you put evil far away from your tents; 22:24 And put your gold in the dust, even your gold of Ophir among the rocks of the valleys; 22:25 Then the Ruler of all will be your gold, and his teaching will be your silver; 22:26 For then you will have delight in the Ruler of all, and your face will be lifted up to God. 22:27 You will make your prayer to him, and be answered; and you will give effect to your oaths. 22:28 Your purposes will come about, and light will be shining on your ways. 22:29 For God makes low those whose hearts are lifted up, but he is a saviour to the poor in spirit. 22:30 He makes safe the man who is free from sin, and if your hands are clean, salvation will be yours.