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22:1  Then in response, Eliphaz from Teman said:
22:2  "Can a human being be useful to God, since he, who is wise, is sufficient to himself?
22:3  Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent, or does he profit if your life is blameless?
22:4  Will he acquit you just because you fear him, and render a verdict on your behalf?
22:5  Your wickedness is great, isn't it? There's no limit to your iniquity, is there?
22:6  "After all, you've taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing.
22:7  You've neglected to give water to the weary, and you've withheld food from the hungry.
22:8  The land belongs to the powerful, and the privileged thrive in it.
22:9  You sent away widows empty-handed, and broke the outstretched arms of orphans.
22:10  That's why disaster surrounds you, terror suddenly overwhelms you,
22:11  you see nothing but darkness, and a flood of troubles drowns you."
22:12  "Isn't God in heaven above? Consider how far away the stars are, and how lofty they are!
22:13  You've asked, 'What does God know? Can he sort through pitch black darkness?'
22:14  Thick clouds cover him so he can't see as he walks back and forth at heaven's horizon.
22:15  "Will you keep walking on the traditional path that sinners have tread,
22:16  who were snatched away before their time; when their foundation was swept away by a river?
22:17  They told God, 'Get away from us!' and 'What will the Almighty do to them?'
22:18  "Though God fills their houses with good things, the counsel of the wicked will remain far from me.
22:19  The righteous will see this and rejoice; the innocent will insult him, saying,
22:20  Our enemies are sure to be destroyed, and fire will burn up what's left of their riches."
22:21  "Get to know God, and you'll be at peace with him, and then prosperity will come to you.
22:22  Accept what he has to teach you, and treasure his words in your heart.
22:23  "If you return to the Almighty you'll be restored, as you remove iniquity from your household.
22:24  Bury your gold nuggets in the dust, and your source of gold among the stones in a streambed,
22:25  and then the Almighty will be your gold and your refined silver.
22:26  "Then you'll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God.
22:27  You'll entreat him and he'll listen to you as you fulfill your vows.
22:28  When you make a decision on something, it will be established for you, and light will brighten your way.
22:29  "For when they're humbled, you may respond; 'It's their pride!' but he delivers the humble.
22:30  He'll even deliver the guilty, who will be delivered through your innocence."