1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: | 1Then Zophar the Naamathite answered: |
2"This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back--because of my feelings within me. | 2"This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back--because of my feelings within me. |
3When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer. | 3When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer. |
4"Surely you know that it has been from old, ever since humankind was placed on the earth, | 4"Surely you know that it has been from old, ever since humankind was placed on the earth, |
5that the elation of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. | 5that the elation of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. |
6Even though his stature reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, | 6Even though his stature reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, |
7he will perish forever, like his own excrement; those who used to see him will say, 'Where is he?' | 7he will perish forever, like his own excrement; those who used to see him will say, 'Where is he?' |
8Like a dream he flies away, never again to be found, and like a vision of the night he is put to flight. | 8Like a dream he flies away, never again to be found, and like a vision of the night he is put to flight. |
9People who had seen him will not see him again, and the place where he was will recognize him no longer. | 9People who had seen him will not see him again, and the place where he was will recognize him no longer. |
10His sons must recompense the poor; his own hands must return his wealth. | 10His sons must recompense the poor; his own hands must return his wealth. |
11His bones were full of his youthful vigor, but that vigor will lie down with him in the dust. | 11His bones were full of his youthful vigor, but that vigor will lie down with him in the dust. |
12"If evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, | 12"If evil is sweet in his mouth and he hides it under his tongue, |
13if he retains it for himself and does not let it go, and holds it fast in his mouth, | 13if he retains it for himself and does not let it go, and holds it fast in his mouth, |
14his food is turned sour in his stomach; it becomes the venom of serpents within him. | 14his food is turned sour in his stomach; it becomes the venom of serpents within him. |
15The wealth that he consumed he vomits up, God will make him throw it out of his stomach. | 15The wealth that he consumed he vomits up, God will make him throw it out of his stomach. |
16He sucks the poison of serpents; the fangs of a viper kill him. | 16He sucks the poison of serpents; the fangs of a viper kill him. |
17He will not look on the streams, the rivers, which are the torrents of honey and butter. | 17He will not look on the streams, the rivers, which are the torrents of honey and butter. |
18He gives back the ill-gotten gain without assimilating it; he will not enjoy the wealth from his commerce. | 18He gives back the ill-gotten gain without assimilating it; he will not enjoy the wealth from his commerce. |
19For he has oppressed the poor and abandoned them; he has seized a house which he did not build. | 19For he has oppressed the poor and abandoned them; he has seized a house which he did not build. |
20For he knows no satisfaction in his appetite; he does not let anything he desires escape. | 20For he knows no satisfaction in his appetite; he does not let anything he desires escape. |
21"Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last. | 21"Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last. |
22In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress overtakes him. the full force of misery will come upon him. | 22In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress overtakes him. the full force of misery will come upon him. |
23"While he is filling his belly, God sends his burning anger against him, and rains down his blows upon him. | 23"While he is filling his belly, God sends his burning anger against him, and rains down his blows upon him. |
24If he flees from an iron weapon, then an arrow from a bronze bow pierces him. | 24If he flees from an iron weapon, then an arrow from a bronze bow pierces him. |
25When he pulls it out and it comes out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver, terrors come over him. | 25When he pulls it out and it comes out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver, terrors come over him. |
26Total darkness waits to receive his treasures; a fire which has not been kindled will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. | 26Total darkness waits to receive his treasures; a fire which has not been kindled will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. |
27The heavens reveal his iniquity; the earth rises up against him. | 27The heavens reveal his iniquity; the earth rises up against him. |
28A flood will carry off his house, rushing waters on the day of God's wrath. | 28A flood will carry off his house, rushing waters on the day of God's wrath. |
29Such is the lot God allots the wicked, and the heritage of his appointment from God." | 29Such is the lot God allots the wicked, and the heritage of his appointment from God." |
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