[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, [2] How long will you lay snares for words and have to hunt for your argument? Do some clear thinking, and then we will reply. [3] Why are we counted as beasts [as if we had no sense]? Why are we unclean in your sight? [4] You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you, or the rock be removed out of its place? [5] Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the flame of his fire shall not shine. [6] The light shall be dark in his dwelling, and his lamp beside him shall be put out. [7] The steps of his strength shall be shortened, and his own counsel and the plans in which he trusted shall bring about his downfall. [8] For the wicked is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks upon a lattice-covered pit. [9] A trap will catch him by the heel, and a snare will lay hold on him. [10] A noose is hidden for him on the ground and a trap for him in the way. [11] Terrors shall make him afraid on every side and shall chase him at his heels. [12] The strength [of the wicked] shall be hunger-bitten, and calamity is ready at his side [if he halts]. [13] By disease his strength and his skin shall be devoured; the firstborn of death [the worst of diseases] shall consume his limbs. [14] He shall be rooted out of his dwelling place in which he trusted, and he shall be brought to the king of terrors [death]. [15] There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his [family]; sulphur shall be scattered over his dwelling [to purify it after his going]. [16] The roots [of the wicked] shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off and wither. [17] His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street. [18] He shall be thrust from light into darkness and driven out of the world. [19] He shall neither have son nor grandson among his people, nor any remaining where he sojourned. [20] They [of the west] that come after [the wicked man] shall be astonished and appalled at his day, as they [of the east] that went before were seized with horror. [21] Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly, and such is the place of him who knows not (recognizes not and honors not) God.
