[1] It is not right, Job, for you to say that you are innocent in God's sight, [3] or to ask God, "How does my sin affect you? What have I gained by not sinning?" [4] I am going to answer you and your friends too. [5] Look at the sky! See how high the clouds are! [6] If you sin, that does no harm to God. If you do wrong many times, does that affect him? [7] Do you help God by being so righteous? There is nothing God needs from you. [8] Others suffer from your sins, and the good you do helps them. [9] When people are oppressed, they groan; they cry for someone to save them. [10] But they don't turn to God, their Creator, who gives them hope in their darkest hours. [11] They don't turn to God, who makes us wise, wiser than any animal or bird. [12] They cry for help, but God doesn't answer, for they are proud and evil. [13] It is useless for them to cry out; Almighty God does not see or hear them. [14] Job, you say you can't see God; but wait patiently-your case is before him. [15] You think that God does not punish, that he pays little attention to sin. [16] It is useless for you to go on talking; it is clear you don't know what you are saying.
