Job 15:1-24 ▼

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:

2 “Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind?

3 Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?

4 But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him.

5 For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.

6 Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you.

7 Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?

8 Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself?

9 What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us?

10 Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side—men much older than your father.

11 Are the consolations of God not enough for you, even words spoken gently to you?

12 Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash,

13 so that you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth?

14 What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?

15 If God puts no trust in His holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes,

16 how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water?

17 Listen to me and I will inform you. I will describe what I have seen,

18 what was declared by wise men and was not concealed from their fathers,

19 to whom alone the land was given when no foreigner passed among them.

20 A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.

21 Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.

22 He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword.

23 He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand.

24 Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack.