[1] A reply to Job from Eliphaz the Temanite: [2] "Will you let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out? [3] In the past you have told many a troubled soul to trust in God and have encouraged those who are weak or falling, or lie crushed upon the ground or are tempted to despair. [5] But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken. [6] "At such a time as this should not trust in God still be your confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are good? [7] Stop and think! Have you ever known a truly good and innocent person who was punished? Experience teaches that it is those who sow sin and trouble who harvest the same. [9] They die beneath the hand of God. [10] Though they are fierce as young lions, they shall all be broken and destroyed. [11] Like aged, helpless lions they shall starve, and all their children shall be scattered. [12] "This truth was given me in secret, as though whispered in my ear. [13] It came in a nighttime vision as others slept. [14] Suddenly, fear gripped me; I trembled and shook with terror, [15] as a spirit passed before my face-my hair stood up on end. [16] I felt the spirit's presence, but couldn't see it standing there. Then out of the dreadful silence came this voice: [17] "'Is mere man more just than God? More pure than his Creator?' [18] "If God cannot trust his own messengers (for even angels make mistakes), how much less men made of dust, who are crushed to death as easily as moths! [20] They are alive in the morning, but by evening they are dead, gone forever with hardly a thought from anyone. [21] Their candle of life is snuffed out. They die and no one cares.
