[1] Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, [2] How long will you say these things [Job]? And how long shall the words of your mouth be as a mighty wind? [3] Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness? [4] If your children have sinned against Him, then He has delivered them into the power of their transgression. [5] If you will seek God diligently and make your supplication to the Almighty, [6] Then, if you are pure and upright, surely He will bestir Himself for you and make your righteous dwelling prosperous again. [7] And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase. [8] For inquire, I pray you, of the former age and apply yourself to that which their fathers have searched out, [9] For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow. [10] Shall not [the forefathers] teach you and tell you and utter words out of their hearts (the deepest part of their nature)? [11] Can the rush or papyrus grow up without marsh? Can the flag or reed grass grow without water? [12] While it is yet green, in flower, and not cut down, it withers before any other herb [when without water]. [13] So are the ways of all who forget God; and the hope of the godless shall perish. [14] For his confidence breaks, and [the object of] his trust is a spider's web. [15] He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand; he shall hold fast to it, but it shall not last. [16] He is green before the sun, and his shoots go forth over his garden. [17] [Godless] his roots are wrapped about the [stone] heap, and see their way [promisingly] among the rocks. [18] But if [God] snatches him from his property, [then having passed into the hands of others] it [his property] will forget and deny him, [saying,] I have never seen you [before, as if ashamed of him-like his former friends]. [19] See, this is the joy of going the way [of the ungodly]! And from the dust others will spring up [to take his place]. [20] Behold, as surely as God will never uphold wrongdoers, He will never cast away a blameless man. [21] He will yet fill your mouth with laughter [Job] and your lips with joyful shouting. [22] Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tents of the wicked shall be no more.
