[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: [2] "If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? [3] Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands. [4] Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees; [5] But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled. [6] Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? [7] "Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? [8] Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same. [9] By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed. [10] The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken. [11] The old lion perishes for lack of prey, And the cubs of the lioness are scattered. [12] "Now a word was secretly brought to me, And my ear received a whisper of it. [13] In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men, [14] Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake. [15] Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up. [16] It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice saying: [17] 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? [18] If He puts no trust in His servants, If He charges His angels with error, [19] How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, Who are crushed before a moth? [20] They are broken in pieces from morning till evening; They perish forever, with no one regarding. [21] Does not their own excellence go away? They die, even without wisdom.'
