[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, [2] “If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking? [3] Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands. [4] Your words have supported him who was falling, you have made the feeble knees firm. [5] But now it has come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled. [6] Isn’t your piety your confidence? Isn’t the integrity of your ways your hope? [7] “Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off? [8] According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble, reap the same. [9] By the breath of God they perish. By the blast of his anger are they consumed. [10] The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken. [11] The old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad. [12] “Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it. [13] In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, [14] fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. [15] Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up. [16] It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying, [17] ‘Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker? [18] Behold, he puts no trust in his servants. He charges his angels with error. [19] How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth! [20] Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it. [21] Isn’t their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.’
