1Then Job made answer and said,

2Give attention with care to my words; and let this be your comfort.

3Let me say what is in my mind, and after that, go on making sport of me.

4As for me, is my outcry against man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled?

5Take note of me and be full of wonder, put your hand on your mouth.

6At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.

7Why is life given to the evil-doers? why do they become old and strong in power?

8Their children are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

9Their houses are free from fear, and the rod of God does not come on them.

10Their ox is ready at all times to give seed; their cow gives birth, without dropping her young.

11They send out their young ones like a flock, and their children have pleasure in the dance,

12They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe.

13Their days come to an end without trouble, and suddenly they go down to the underworld.

14Though they said to God, Go away from us, for we have no desire for the knowledge of your ways.

15What is the Ruler of all, that we may give him worship? and what profit is it to us to make prayer to him?

16Truly, is not their well-being in their power? (The purpose of the evil-doers is far from me.)

17How frequently is the light of the evil-doers put out, or does trouble come on them? how frequently does his wrath take them with cords?

18How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?

19You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!

20Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!

21For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?

22Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.

23One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:

24His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.

25And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.

26Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.

27See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;

28For you say, Where is the house of the ruler, and where is the tent of the evil-doer?

29Have you not put the question to the travellers, and do you not take note of their experience?

30How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble, and has salvation in the day of wrath?

31Who will make his way clear to his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it?

32He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it.

33The earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come after him, as there were unnumbered before him.

34Why then do you give me comfort with words in which there is no profit, when you see that there is nothing in your answers but deceit?