| Chapter 21 |
1 |
Then Job made answer and said,
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2 |
Give attention with care to my words; and let this be your comfort.
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3 |
Let me say what is in my mind, and after that, go on making sport of me.
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4 |
As for me, is my outcry against man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled?
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5 |
Take note of me and be full of wonder, put your hand on your mouth.
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6 |
At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.
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7 |
Why is life given to the evil-doers? why do they become old and strong in power?
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8 |
Their children are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
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9 |
Their houses are free from fear, and the rod of God does not come on them.
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10 |
Their ox is ready at all times to give seed; their cow gives birth, without dropping her young.
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11 |
They send out their young ones like a flock, and their children have pleasure in the dance,
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12 |
They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe.
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13 |
Their days come to an end without trouble, and suddenly they go down to the underworld.
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14 |
Though they said to God, Go away from us, for we have no desire for the knowledge of your ways.
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15 |
What is the Ruler of all, that we may give him worship? and what profit is it to us to make prayer to him?
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16 |
Truly, is not their well-being in their power? (The purpose of the evil-doers is far from me.)
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17 |
How frequently is the light of the evil-doers put out, or does trouble come on them? how frequently does his wrath take them with cords?
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18 |
How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?
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19 |
You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!
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20 |
Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!
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21 |
For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?
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22 |
Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.
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23 |
One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:
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24 |
His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.
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25 |
And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.
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26 |
Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.
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27 |
See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;
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28 |
For you say, Where is the house of the ruler, and where is the tent of the evil-doer?
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29 |
Have you not put the question to the travellers, and do you not take note of their experience?
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30 |
How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble, and has salvation in the day of wrath?
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31 |
Who will make his way clear to his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it?
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32 |
He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it.
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33 |
The earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come after him, as there were unnumbered before him.
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34 |
Why then do you give me comfort with words in which there is no profit, when you see that there is nothing in your answers but deceit?
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