[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite spoke up and said: [2] "How long will you speak these things, seeing that the words of your mouth are like a great wind? [3] Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right? [4] If your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin. [5] But if you will look to God, and make your supplication to the Almighty, [6] if you become pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself for you, and will restore your righteous home. [7] Your beginning will seem so small, since your future will flourish. [8] "For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors; [9] For we were born yesterday and do not have knowledge, since our days on earth are but a shadow. [10] Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding? [11] Can the papyrus plant grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water? [12] While they are still beginning to flower and not ripe for cutting, they can wither away faster than any grass. [13] Such is the destiny of all who forget God; the hope of the godless perishes, [14] whose trust is in something futile, whose security is a spider's web. [15] He leans against his house but it does not hold up, he takes hold of it but it does not stand. [16] He is a well-watered plant in the sun, its shoots spread over its garden. [17] It wraps its roots around a heap of stones and it looks for a place among stones. [18] If he is uprooted from his place, then that place will disown him, saying, 'I have never seen you!' [19] Indeed, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth others spring up. [20] "Surely, God does not reject a blameless man, nor does he grasp the hand of the evildoers. [21] He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with gladness. [22] Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more."
