28 so that they (A)caused the cry of the poor to come to him,
    and he (B)heard the cry of the afflicted—
29 When he is quiet, who can condemn?
    When he hides his face, who can behold him,
    whether it be a nation or a man?—
30 that a godless man should not reign,
    that he should not ensnare the people.

31 “For has anyone said to God,
    ‘I have borne punishment; I will not offend any more;
32 (C)teach me what I do not see;
    if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more’?
33 Will he then make repayment to suit you,
    because you reject it?
For you must choose, and not I;
    therefore (D)declare what you know.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Job 34:33 The meaning of the Hebrew in verses 29–33 is uncertain

28 They caused the cry of the poor to come before him,
    so that he heard the cry of the needy.(A)
29 But if he remains silent,(B) who can condemn him?(C)
    If he hides his face,(D) who can see him?
Yet he is over individual and nation alike,(E)
30     to keep the godless(F) from ruling,(G)
    from laying snares for the people.(H)

31 “Suppose someone says to God,
    ‘I am guilty(I) but will offend no more.
32 Teach me what I cannot see;(J)
    if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’(K)
33 Should God then reward you on your terms,
    when you refuse to repent?(L)
You must decide, not I;
    so tell me what you know.

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