[1] Eliphaz's First Speech Eliphaz from Teman said: [2] Please be patient and listen to what I have to say. [3] Remember how your words [4] have guided and encouraged many in need. [5] But now you feel discouraged when struck by trouble. [6] You respect God and live right, so don't lose hope! [7] No truly innocent person has ever died young. [8] In my experience, only those who plant seeds of evil harvest trouble, [9] and then they are swept away by the angry breath of God. [10] They may roar and growl like powerful lions. But when God breaks their teeth, [11] they starve, and their children are scattered. [12] A secret was told to me in a faint whisper- [13] I was overcome by sleep, but disturbed by dreams; [14] I trembled with fear, [15] and my hair stood on end, as a wind blew past my face. [16] It stopped and stood still. Then a form appeared- a shapeless form. And from the silence, I heard a voice say, [17] "No humans are innocent in the eyes of God their Creator. [18] He finds fault with his servants and even with his angels. [19] Humans are formed from clay and are fragile as moths, so what chance do you have? [20] Born after daybreak, you die before nightfall and disappear forever. [21] Your tent pegs are pulled up, and you leave this life, having gained no wisdom."
