10 Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding.
It is impossible for God to do wrong,
and for the Almighty to act unjustly.(A)
11 For He repays(B) a person according to his deeds,
and He brings his ways on him.
12 Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly
and the Almighty does not pervert justice.(C)
13 Who gave Him authority over the earth?
Who put Him in charge of the entire world?(D)
14 If He put His mind to it
and withdrew the spirit(E) and breath He gave,
15 every living thing would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.(F)

16 If you have understanding, hear this;
listen to what I have to say.
17 Could one who hates justice govern the world?
Will you condemn the mighty Righteous One,(G)
18 who says to a king, “Worthless man!”
and to nobles, “Wicked men!”?(H)
19 God is not partial(I) to princes
and does not favor the rich over the poor,
for they are all the work of His hands.
20 They die suddenly in the middle of the night;
people shudder, then pass away.
Even the mighty are removed without effort.

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10 “Listen to me, you who have understanding.
    Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin!
    The Almighty can do no wrong.
11 He repays people according to their deeds.
    He treats people as they deserve.
12 Truly, God will not do wrong.
    The Almighty will not twist justice.
13 Did someone else put the world in his care?
    Who set the whole world in place?
14 If God were to take back his spirit
    and withdraw his breath,
15 all life would cease,
    and humanity would turn again to dust.

16 “Now listen to me if you are wise.
    Pay attention to what I say.
17 Could God govern if he hated justice?
    Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?
18 For he says to kings, ‘You are wicked,’
    and to nobles, ‘You are unjust.’
19 He doesn’t care how great a person may be,
    and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor.
    He made them all.
20 In a moment they die.
    In the middle of the night they pass away;
    the mighty are removed without human hand.

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