26He strikes them down because they are wicked,
doing it openly for all to see.
27For they turned away from following him.
They have no respect for any of his ways.
28They cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention.
He hears the cries of the needy.
29But if he chooses to remain quiet,
who can criticize him?
When he hides his face, no one can find him,
whether an individual or a nation.
30He prevents the godless from ruling
so they cannot be a snare to the people.
31“Why don’t people say to God, ‘I have sinned,
but I will sin no more’?
32Or ‘I don’t know what evil I have done—tell me.
If I have done wrong, I will stop at once’?
33“Must God tailor his justice to your demands?
But you have rejected him!
The choice is yours, not mine.
Go ahead, share your wisdom with us.
34After all, bright people will tell me,
and wise people will hear me say,
35‘Job speaks out of ignorance;
his words lack insight.’
36Job, you deserve the maximum penalty
for the wicked way you have talked.
37For you have added rebellion to your sin;
you show no respect,
and you speak many angry words against God.”
