Job 21:1-34 MEV

[1] But Job answered: [2] "Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your consolation. [3] Bear with me that I may speak, and after I have spoken, mock on. [4] "As for me, is my complaint against man? And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? [5] Look at me and be astonished, and put your hand over your mouth. [6] Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling takes hold of my body. [7] Why do the wicked live and become old; yes, become mighty in power? [8] Their descendants are established with them in their sight, and their offspring before their eyes. [9] Their houses are safe from fear, nor is the rod of God upon them. [10] Their bull breeds without failure; their cow gives calves without miscarriage. [11] They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. [12] They take up the tambourine and harp and rejoice at the sound of the flute. [13] They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to Sheol. [14] Therefore they say to God, 'Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. [15] Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?' [16] Indeed, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me. [17] "How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their destruction come upon them, the sorrows God distributes in His anger? [18] They are like straw before the wind, and like chaff that a storm carries away. [19] God stores up their iniquity for their children; let Him reward the people themselves, and they will know it. [20] Let their eyes see their own destruction, and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty. [21] For what do they care about their households after them, when the number of their months is cut off? [22] "Can anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges those who are on high? [23] One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and secure. [24] His pails are full of milk, and the marrow of his bones is moist. [25] Another dies in the bitterness of his soul, never having eaten with pleasure. [26] They will lie down alike in the dust, and worms will cover them. [27] "Behold, I know your thoughts, and the schemes with which you would wrong me. [28] For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?' [29] Have you not asked them who travel the road? And do you not know their signs? [30] For the wicked are reserved for the day of destruction; they will be brought forth on the day of wrath. [31] Who will declare his way to his face? And who will repay him for what he has done? [32] Yet will he be brought to the grave and will remain in the tomb. [33] The clods of the valley will be sweet unto him; and everyone will follow him, as countless have gone before. [34] "How then can you comfort me with emptiness, since deceit remains in your answers?"