¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(E) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(F) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

³⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”^(A)

²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues^(A) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Israel Speaks Arrogantly Against God

¹³ “You have spoken arrogantly^(A) against me,” says the Lord.

“Yet you ask,^(B) ‘What have we said against you?’

¹⁴ “You have said, ‘It is futile^(C) to serve^(D) God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements^(E) and going about like mourners^(F) before the Lord Almighty? ¹⁵ But now we call the arrogant^(G) blessed. Certainly evildoers^(H) prosper,^(I) and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’”

The Faithful Remnant

¹⁶ Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.^(J) A scroll^(K) of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared^(L) the Lord and honored his name.

Epilogue

⁷ After the Lord had said these things to Job^(D), he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends,^(E) because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.^{(F) 8} So now take seven bulls and seven rams^(G) and go to my servant Job^(H) and sacrifice a burnt offering^(I) for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer^(J) and not deal with you according to your folly.^(K) You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.”^(L)