Job 20:1-13 ▼

1 Then Sophar the Minaean answered and said,

2 I did not suppose that thou wouldest answer thus: neither do ye understand more than I.

3 I will hear my shameful reproach; and the spirit of my understanding answers me.

4 Hast thou not known these things of old, from the time that man was set upon the earth?

5 But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:

6 although his gifts should go up to heaven, and his sacrifice reach the clouds.

7 For when he shall seem to be now established, then he shall utterly perish: and they that knew him shall say, Where is he?

8 Like a dream that has fled away, he shall not be found; and he has fled like a vision of the night.

9 The eye has looked upon him, but shall not see him again; and his place shall no longer perceive him.

10 Let his inferiors destroy his children, and let his hands kindle the fire of sorrow.

11 His bones have been filled with vigour of his youth, and it shall lie down with him in the dust.

12 Though evil be sweet in his mouth, though he will hide it under his tongue;

13 though he will not spare it, and will not leave it, but will keep it in the midst of his throat: