1But Job answered,
2“Listen carefully to my words, and let this be your consolation.
3Bear with me that I may speak; and after I have spoken, mock on.
4As for me, is my complaint to man or about him? And if it were so, why should my spirit not be troubled?
5Look at me, and be appalled, and put your hand over your mouth.
6Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling takes hold of my flesh.
7Why do the wicked still live, become old, and mighty in power?
8Their offspring are established in their sight with them, and before their eyes (while they yet live).
9Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.
10Their bull breeds without fail; their cow calves, and does not miscarry her calf.
11They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.
12They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13They enjoy their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.
14Yet, they say unto God, ‘Depart from us; for we do not desire to know of Your ways.
15What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have, if we pray to Him?’
16But note that their prosperity is not in their hand; the mindset of the wicked is far from me.
17How often is the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out? And how often does their destruction come upon them? Does God distribute sorrows in His anger?
18The wicked are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carries away.
19God lays up his iniquity for his children; He rewards him, and he shall know it.
20His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21For what pleasure has he in his house after his death, when the number of his months is cut off?
22Can anyone teach God knowledge, seeing He judges those on high.
23One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease, quiet and content.
24His pails are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.
25While another dies in the bitterness of his soul, and never tasting pleasure.
26They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
27Behold, I know your thoughts, and the schemes which you wrongfully imagine against me.
28For you say, ‘Where is the house of the noble man? And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?’
29Have you not asked them that go by the way? And do you not know their witness?
30That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? They shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.
31Who shall confront about his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he has done?
32Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.
33The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable that precede him.
34How, then, can you comfort me with vain and empty words that remain untrue?” Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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