Job 20:1-29 NASBS

[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered, [2] "Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation. [3] "I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer. [4] "Do you know this from of old, From the establishment of man on earth, [5] That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the godless momentary? [6] "Though his loftiness reaches the heavens, And his head touches the clouds, [7] He perishes forever like his refuse; Those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?' [8] "He flies away like a dream, and they cannot find him; Even like a vision of the night he is chased away. [9] "The eye which saw him sees him no longer, And his place no longer beholds him. [10] "His sons favor the poor, And his hands give back his wealth. [11] "His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it lies down with him in the dust. [12] "Though evil is 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 in his stomach is changed To the venom of cobras within him. [15] "He swallows riches, But will vomit them up; God will expel them from his belly. [16] "He sucks the poison of cobras; The viper's tongue slays him. [17] "He does not look at the streams, The rivers flowing with honey and curds. [18] "He returns what he has attained And cannot swallow it; As to the riches of his trading, He cannot even enjoy them. [19] "For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; He has seized a house which he has not built. [20] "Because he knew no quiet within him, He does not retain anything he desires. [21] "Nothing remains for him to devour, Therefore his prosperity does not endure. [22] "In the fullness of his plenty he will be cramped; The hand of everyone who suffers will come against him. [23] "When he fills his belly, God will send His fierce anger on him And will rain it on him while he is eating. [24] "He may flee from the iron weapon, But the bronze bow will pierce him. [25] "It is drawn forth and comes out of his back, Even the glittering point from his gall. Terrors come upon him, [26] Complete darkness is held in reserve for his treasures, And unfanned fire will devour him; It will consume the survivor in his tent. [27] "The heavens will reveal his iniquity, And the earth will rise up against him. [28] "The increase of his house will depart; His possessions will flow away in the day of His anger. [29] "This is the wicked man's portion from God, Even the heritage decreed to him by God."