[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, [2] Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable [3] Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect? [4] Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment? [5] Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite? [6] For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. [7] Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread [8] But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it. [9] Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. [10] Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth [11] Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover [12] Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high [13] And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud? [14] Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven. [15] Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? [16] Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: [17] Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? [18] Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far [19] The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn. [20] Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth. [21] Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. [22] Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.