1
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2
"Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, Because of the turmoil within me.
3
I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4
"Do you not know this of old, Since man was placed on earth,
5
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?
6
Though his haughtiness mounts up to the heavens, And his head reaches to the clouds,
7
Yet he will perish forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'
8
He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night.
9
The eye that saw him will see him no more, Nor will his place behold him anymore.
10
His children will seek the favor of the poor, And his hands will restore his wealth.
11
His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it will lie down with him in the dust.
12
"Though evil is sweet in his mouth, And he hides it under his tongue,
13
Though he spares it and does not forsake it, But still keeps it in his mouth,
14
Yet his food in his stomach turns sour; It becomes cobra venom within him.
15
He swallows down riches And vomits them up again; God casts them out of his belly.
16
He will suck the poison of cobras; The viper's tongue will slay him.
17
He will not see the streams, The rivers flowing with honey and cream.
18
He will restore that for which he labored, And will not swallow it down; From the proceeds of business He will get no enjoyment.
19
For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor, He has violently seized a house which he did not build.
20
"Because he knows no quietness in his heart, He will not save anything he desires.