For he has said, ‘A man gains nothing when he becomes God’s friend.’
For you ask, ‘What does it profit you, and what benefit comes to me, if I do not sin? ’
You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping his requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Armies?
Will he delight in the Almighty? Will he call on God at all times?
They were the ones who said to God, ‘Leave us alone! ’ and ‘What can the Almighty do to us? ’ ,
Indeed, the evil person is spared from the day of disaster, rescued from the day of wrath.
Does it delight the Almighty if you are righteous? Does he profit if you perfect your behaviour?
‘Why have we fasted, but you have not seen? We have denied ourselves, but you haven’t noticed! ’ ‘Look, you do as you please on the day of your fast, and oppress all your workers.