[1] Then Job made answer and said, [2] Give attention with care to my
words; and let this be your comfort. [3] Let me say what is in my mind, and
after that, go on making sport of me. [4] As for me, is my outcry against
man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled? [5] Take note
of me and be full of wonder, put your hand on your mouth. [6] At the very
thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear. [7] Why is life given to the
evil-doers? why do they become old and strong in power? [8] Their children
are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes. [9] Their houses
are free from fear, and the rod of God does not come on them. [10] Their ox
is ready at all times to give seed; their cow gives birth, without dropping
her young. [11] They send out their young ones like a flock, and their
children have pleasure in the dance, [12] They make songs to the
instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe. [13] Their
days come to an end without trouble, and suddenly they go down to the
underworld. [14] Though they said to God, Go away from us, for we have no
desire for the knowledge of your ways. [15] What is the Ruler of all, that
we may give him worship? and what profit is it to us to make prayer to him?
[16] Truly, is not their well-being in their power? (The purpose of the
evil-doers is far from me.) [17] How frequently is the light of the
evil-doers put out, or does trouble come on them? how frequently does his
wrath take them with cords? [18] How frequently are they as dry stems
before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind? [19] You say,
God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man
himself, so that he may have the punishment of it! [20] Let his eyes see
his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all! [21] For
what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months
is ended? [22] Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge
of those who are on high. [23] One comes to his end in complete well-being,
full of peace and quiet: [24] His buckets are full of milk, and there is no
loss of strength in his bones. [25] And another comes to his end with a
bitter soul, without ever tasting good. [26] Together they go down to the
dust, and are covered by the worm. [27] See, I am conscious of your
thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me; [28] For you say, Where
is the house of the ruler, and where is the tent of the evil-doer? [29]
Have you not put the question to the travellers, and do you not take note
of their experience? [30] How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble,
and has salvation in the day of wrath? [31] Who will make his way clear to
his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it? [32]
He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it. [33] The
earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come
after him, as there were unnumbered before him. [34] Why then do you give
me comfort with words in which there is no profit, when you see that there
is nothing in your answers but deceit?