[1] Bildad the Shuhite replies to Job: [2] "How long will you go on like this, Job, blowing words around like wind? [3] Does God twist justice? [4] If your children sinned against him, and he punished them, [5] and you begged Almighty God for them- [6] if you were pure and good, he would hear your prayer and answer you and bless you with a happy home. [7] And though you started with little, you would end with much. [8] "Read the history books and see- [9] for we were born but yesterday and know so little; our days here on earth are as transient as shadows. [10] But the wisdom of the past will teach you. The experience of others will speak to you, reminding you that [11] those who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut. [14] A man without God is trusting in a spider's web. Everything he counts on will collapse. [15] If he counts on his home for security, it won't last. [16] At dawn he seems so strong and virile, like a green plant; his branches spread across the garden. [17] His roots are in the stream, down among the stones. [18] But when he disappears, he isn't even missed! [19] That is all he can look forward to! And others spring up from the earth to replace him! [20] "But look! God will not cast away a good man, nor prosper evildoers. [21] He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. [22] Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame, and the wicked destroyed."
