13
Who gave Him authority over the earth? Who put Him in charge of the entire world?
14
If He put His mind to it and withdrew the spirit and breath He [gave],
15
every living thing would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
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,
18
who says to a king, "Worthless man!" and to nobles, "Wicked men!"?
19
God is not partial 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.
21
For His eyes [watch] over a man's ways, and He observes all his steps.
22
There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves.
23
God does not [need to] examine a person further, that one should approach Him in court.
24
He shatters the mighty without an investigation and sets others in their place.
25
Therefore, He recognizes their deeds and overthrows [them] by night, and they are crushed.
26
In full view of the public, He strikes them for their wickedness,
27
because they turned aside from following Him and did not understand any of His ways
28
but caused the poor to cry out to Him, and He heard the outcry of the afflicted.
29
But when God is silent, who can declare [Him] guilty? When He hides [His] face, who can see Him? Yet He [watches] over both individuals and nations,
30
so that godless men should not rule or ensnare the people.
31
Suppose someone says to God, "I have endured [my punishment]; I will no [longer] act wickedly.
32
Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I won't do it again."
33
Should God repay [you] on your terms when you have rejected [His]? You must choose, not I! So declare what you know.
