Job 20:1-29 AMP

[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said, [2] “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me answer, Because of the uneasiness that is within me. [3] I have heard the reproof which insults me, But the spirit of my understanding makes me answer. [4] Do you not know this from the old days, Since the time that man was placed on the earth, [5] That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless is only for a moment? [6] Though his pride reaches the heavens And his head touches the clouds, [7] Yet he perishes forever like his own refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ [8] He flies away like a dream and cannot be found; Yes, he is chased away like a vision of the night. [9] The eye which saw him sees him no longer, Neither does his [accustomed] place behold him any longer. [10] His sons favor the poor [and pay his obligations], And his hands give back his [ill-gotten] wealth. [11] His bones are full of youthful strength But it lies down with him in the dust. [12] “Though evil and wickedness are sweet in his mouth And he hides it under his tongue, [13] Though he desires it and will not let it go But holds it in his mouth, [14] Yet his food turns [to poison] in his stomach; It is the venom of vipers within him. [15] He swallows [his ill-gotten] riches, But will vomit them up; God will drive them out of his belly. [16] He sucks the poison of vipers [which ill-gotten wealth contains]; The viper’s tongue slays him. [17] He does not look at the rivers, The flowing streams of honey and butter [to enjoy his wealth]. [18] He gives back what he has labored for and attained And cannot swallow it [down to enjoy it]; As to the riches of his labor, He cannot even enjoy them. [19] For he has oppressed and neglected the poor; He has violently taken away houses which he did not build. [20] “Because he knew no quietness or calm within him [because of his greed], He does not retain anything he desires. [21] There is nothing left of what he devoured; Therefore his prosperity does not endure. [22] In the fullness of his excess (great abundance) he will be in trouble; The hand of everyone who suffers will come against him [he is miserable on every side]. [23] When he fills his belly, God will send His fierce anger on him And will rain it upon him while he is eating. [24] He may flee from the iron weapon, But the bow of bronze will pierce him through. [25] The arrow is drawn forth and it comes out of his back [after passing through his body]; Yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall. Terrors march in upon him; [26] Complete darkness (misfortune) is held in reserve for his treasures. An unfanned fire will devour him; It will consume the survivor in his tent. [27] The heavens will reveal his wickedness and guilt, And the earth will rise up against him. [28] The produce and increase of his house will depart [with the victors]; His possessions will be dragged away in the day of God’s wrath. [29] This is the wicked man’s portion from God, And the heritage decreed and appointed to him by God.”