1 Eliphaz from Teman said:*
2 Job, if you had any sense,
3 you would stop spreadingall of this hot air.
4 Your words are enoughto make others turn from Godand lead them to doubt.
5 And your sinful, scheming mindis the source of all you say.
6 I am not here as your judge;your own words are witnessesagainst you.
7 Were you the first human?Are you older than the hills?
8 Have you ever been presentwhen God's council meets?Do you alone have wisdom?
9 Do you know and understandsomething we don't?
10 We have the benefit of wisdomolder than your father.
11 And you have been offeredcomforting words from God.Isn't this enough?
12 Your emotions are out of control,making you look fierce;
13 that's why you attack Godwith 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 evilthat we thirst for sin.
17 Just listen to what I know,and you will learn
18 wisdom known by otherssince ancient times.
19 Those who gained such insightsalso gained the land,and they were not influencedby foreign teachings.
20 But suffering is in storeeach day for those who sin.
21 Even in times of success,they constantly hearthe threat of doom.
22 Darkness, despair, and deathare their destiny.
23 They scrounge around for food,all the while dreadingthe approaching darkness.
24 They are overcome with despair,like frightened soldiers facinga fearsome king in battle.
25 This is because they rebelledagainst God All-Powerful
26 and have attacked himwith their weapons.
27 They may be rich and fat,
28 but they will live in the ruinsof deserted towns.
29 Their property and wealthwill shrink and disappear.
30 They won't escape the darkness,and the blazing breath of Godwill set their future aflame.*
31 They have put their trustin something worthless;now they will become worthless
32 like a date palm treewithout a leaf.
33 Or like vineyards or orchardswhose blossoms and unripe fruitdrop to the ground.
34 Yes, the godless and the greedywill have nothing but flamesfeasting on their homes,
35 because they are the parentsof trouble and vicious lies.