² “Hear my words, you wise men;
    listen to me,^(A) you men of learning.
³ For the ear tests words
    as the tongue tastes food.^(B)
4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;^(C)
    let us learn together what is good.^(D)

⁵ “Job says, ‘I am innocent,^(E)
    but God denies me justice.^(F)
6 Although I am right,
    I am considered a liar;^(G)
although I am guiltless,^(H)
    his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’^(I)
7 Is there anyone like Job,
    who drinks scorn like water?^(J)
8 He keeps company with evildoers;
    he associates with the wicked.^(K)
9 For he says, ‘There is no profit
    in trying to please God.’^(L)

¹⁰ “So listen to me,^(M) you men of understanding.^(N)
    Far be it from God to do evil,^(O)
    from the Almighty to do wrong.^(P)
11 He repays everyone for what they have done;^(Q)
    he brings on them what their conduct deserves.^(R)
12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,^(S)
    that the Almighty would pervert justice.^(T)
13 Who appointed^(U) him over the earth?
    Who put him in charge of the whole world?^(V)
14 If it were his intention
    and he withdrew his spirit^[a](W) and breath,^(X)
15 all humanity would perish^(Y) together
    and mankind would return to the dust.^(Z)