[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said, [2] “How long will you say these things? And will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? [3] Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness? [4] If your children have sinned against Him, Then He has handed them over to the power of their transgression and punished them. [5] If you would [diligently] seek God And implore the compassion and favor of the Almighty, [6] Then, if you are pure and upright, Surely now He will awaken for you And restore your righteous place. [7] Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will greatly increase. [8] “Inquire, please, of past generations, And consider and apply yourself to the things searched out by their fathers. [9] For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are [like] a shadow [just a breath or a vapor]. [10] Will they (the fathers) not teach you and tell you, And utter words from their hearts [the deepest part of their nature]? [11] “Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes or reed grass grow without water? [12] While it is still green (in flower) and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other plant [when without water]. [13] So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the godless will perish, [14] For his confidence is fragile and breaks, And his trust is [like] a spider’s web. [15] He trusts in his house, but it does not stand; He holds tightly to it, but it does not endure. [16] He thrives and prospers [like a green plant] before the sun, And his branches spread out over his garden. [17] His [godless] roots are wrapped around a pile of rocks, And he gazes at a house of stones. [18] If he is snatched from his place [in the garden], Then his place will forget him, saying, ‘I have never seen you.’ [19] Behold, this is the joy of His way; And from out of the dust others will spring up and grow [to take his place]. [20] Behold, God will not reject a man of integrity, Nor will He strengthen or support evildoers. [21] He will yet fill your mouth with laughter And your lips with joyful shouting [if you are found blameless]. [22] Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, And the tents of the wicked will be no longer.”
