1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: |
2 "If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? |
3 Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands. |
4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees; |
5 But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled. |
6 Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? |
7 "Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? |
8 Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same. |
9 By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed. |
10 The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken. |
11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, And the cubs of the lioness are scattered. |
12 "Now a word was secretly brought to me, And my ear received a whisper of it. |
13 In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men, |
14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake. |
15 Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up. |
16 It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice saying: |
17 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? |
18 If He puts no trust in His servants, If He charges His angels with error, |
19 How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, Who are crushed before a moth? |
20 They are broken in pieces from morning till evening; They perish forever, with no one regarding. |
21 Does not their own excellence go away? They die, even without wisdom.' |