[1] Job continued his poems and said, [2] "I swear an oath by God, the one who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty, who has made my life bitter: [3] 'As long as there is one breath left in me and God's breath fills my nostrils, [4] my lips will not say anything wrong, and my tongue will not mumble anything deceitful.' [5] It's unthinkable for me to admit that you are right. Until I breathe my last breath, I will never give up my claim of integrity. [6] I cling to my righteousness and won't let go. My conscience won't accuse me as long as I live. [7] "Let my enemy be treated like wicked people. Let anyone who attacks me be treated like unrighteous people. [8] After all, what hope does the godless person have when he is cut off, when God takes away his life? [9] Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him? [10] Can he be happy with the Almighty? Can he call on God at all times? [11] "I will teach you about God's power. I will not hide what the Almighty has done. [12] Certainly, you have all seen it. Why then do you chatter on about such nonsense? [13] This is what God has waiting for the wicked person, the inheritance that tyrants receive from the Almighty: [14] If he has many children, swords will kill them, and his descendants won't have enough food. [15] Those who survive him will be buried by a plague, and their widows won't cry for them. [16] Though he collects silver like dust and piles up clothing like dirt, [17] righteous people will wear what he piles up, and the innocent will divide the silver among themselves. [18] He builds his house like a moth, like a shack that a watchman makes. [19] He may go to bed rich, but he'll never be rich again. When he opens his eyes, nothing will be left. [20] Terrors overtake him like a flood. A windstorm snatches him away at night. [21] The east wind carries him away, and he's gone. It sweeps him from his place. [22] It hurls itself at him without mercy. He flees from its power. [23] It claps its hands over him. It whistles at him from his own place.
