[1] Eliphaz's Second Speech Eliphaz from Teman said: [2] Job, if you had any sense, [3] you would stop spreading all of this hot air. [4] Your words are enough to make others turn from God and lead them to doubt. [5] And your sinful, scheming mind is the source of all you say. [6] I am not here as your judge; your own words are witnesses against you. [7] Were you the first human? Are you older than the hills? [8] Have you ever been present when God's council meets? Do you alone have wisdom? [9] Do you know and understand something we don't? [10] We have the benefit of wisdom older than your father. [11] And you have been offered comforting words from God. Isn't this enough? [12] Your emotions are out of control, making you look fierce; [13] that's why you attack God with everything you say. [14] No human is pure and innocent, [15] and neither are angels- not in the sight of God. If God doesn't trust his angels, [16] what chance do humans have? We are so terribly evil that we thirst for sin. [17] Just listen to what I know, and you will learn [18] wisdom known by others since ancient times. [19] Those who gained such insights also gained the land, and they were not influenced by foreign teachings. [20] But suffering is in store each day for those who sin. [21] Even in times of success, they constantly hear the threat of doom. [22] Darkness, despair, and death are their destiny. [23] They scrounge around for food, all the while dreading the approaching darkness. [24] They are overcome with despair, like a terrified king about to go into battle. [25] This is because they rebelled against God All-Powerful [26] and have attacked him with their weapons. [27] They may be rich and fat, [28] but they will live in the ruins of deserted towns. [29] Their property and wealth will shrink and disappear. [30] They won't escape the darkness, and the blazing breath of God will set their future aflame. [31] They have put their trust in something worthless; now they will become worthless [32] like a date palm tree without a leaf. [33] Or like vineyards or orchards whose blossoms and unripe fruit drop to the ground. [34] Yes, the godless and the greedy will have nothing but flames feasting on their homes, [35] because they are the parents of trouble and vicious lies.
