Job 18:1-15 ▼

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said,

2 “How long will you hunt for words and continue these speeches? Do some clear thinking and show understanding and then we can talk.

3 “Why are we regarded as beasts, As if [we are] stupid (senseless) in your eyes?

4 “You who tear yourself apart in anger, Is the earth to be abandoned for your sake, Or the rock to be moved out of its place?

5 “Indeed, the light of the wicked will be put out, And the flame of his fire will not shine.

6 “The light will be dark in his tent, And his lamp beside him will be put out.

7 “The vigorous stride will be shortened, And his own counsel and the scheme [in which he trusted] will bring his downfall.

8 “For the wicked is thrown into a net by his own feet (wickedness), And he steps on the webbing [of the lattice-covered pit].

9 “A snare catches him by the heel, And a trap snaps shut on him.

10 “A noose is hidden for him on the ground, And a trap for him on the path.

11 “Terrors frighten him on every side And chase at his heels.

12 “The strength [of the wicked] is famished and weakened, And disaster is ready at his side [if he stops].

13 “His skin is devoured by disease; The firstborn of death [the worst of diseases] consumes his limbs.

14 “He is torn from his tent which he trusted [for safety], And he is marched and brought to the king of terrors (death).

15 “Nothing of his dwells in his tent; Brimstone (burning sulfur) is scattered over his dwelling [to purify it].