Job 20:1-13 ▼

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said,

2 “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my haste within me.

3 I listened to the discipline which dishonors me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

4 Do you know this from of old, From the establishment of man on earth,

5 That the shouts of joy of the wicked are short, And the gladness of the godless momentary?

6 Though his loftiness goes up to the heavens, And his head touches the clouds,

7 He perishes forever like his refuse; Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’

8 He flies away like a dream, and they cannot find him; Even like a vision of the night he is chased away.

9 The eye which saw him sees him no longer, And his place no longer beholds him.

10 His sons seek the favor of the poor, And his hands give back his wealth.

11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor, But it lies down with him in the dust.

12 “Though evil is sweet in his mouth And he hides it under his tongue,

13 Though he desires it and will not forsake it, And holds it to his palate,