[1] Job's Reply to Zophar Job said: [2] If you want to offer comfort, then listen to me. [3] And when I have finished, you can start your insults all over again. [4] My complaint is against God; that's why I am impatient. [5] Just looking at me is enough to make you sick, [6] and the very thought of myself fills me with disgust. [7] Why do evil people live so long and gain such power? [8] Why are they allowed to see their children grow up? [9] They have no worries at home, and God never punishes them. [10] Their cattle have lots of calves without ever losing one; [11] their children play and dance safely by themselves. [12] These people sing and celebrate to the sound of tambourines, small harps, and flutes, [13] and they are successful, without a worry, until the day they die. [14] Those who are evil say to God All-Powerful, "Leave us alone! Don't bother us with your teachings. [15] What do we gain from praying and worshiping you? [16] We succeeded all on our own." And so, I keep away from them and their evil schemes. [17] How often does God become angry and send disaster and darkness to punish sinners? [18] How often does he strike them like a windstorm that scatters straw? [19] You say, "God will punish those sinners' children in place of those sinners." But I say, "Let him punish those sinners themselves until they really feel it. [20] Let God All-Powerful force them to drink their own destruction from the cup of his anger. [21] Because after they are dead, they won't care what happens to their children." [22] Who can tell God what to do? He judges powerful rulers. [23] Some of us die prosperous, [24] enjoying good health, [25] while others die in poverty, having known only pain. [26] But we all end up dead, beneath a blanket of worms. [27] My friends, I know that you are plotting against me. [28] You ask, "Where is the home of that important person who does so much evil?" [29] Everyone, near and far, agrees [30] that those who do wrong never suffer disaster, when God becomes angry. [31] No one points out their sin or punishes them. [32] Then at their funerals, they are highly praised; [33] the earth welcomes them home, while crowds mourn. [34] But empty, meaningless words are the comfort you offer me.
