Eliphaz Speaks
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
or fill himself15:2 Lit his belly with the hot east wind?
or with words that serve no good purpose?
4But you even undermine the fear of God
and hinder meditation before him.
and you choose the language of the crafty.
6Your own mouth condemns you, not I;
7Were you the first human ever born,
8Do you listen in on the council of God,
9What do you know that we don’t?
What do you understand that is not clear to us?
10Both the gray-haired and the elderly are with us—
older than your father.
11Are God’s consolations not enough for you,
even the words that deal gently with you?
12Why has your heart misled you,
and why do your eyes flash
13as you turn your anger15:13 Or spirit against God
and allow such words to leave your mouth?
or one born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
17Listen to me and I will inform you.
I will describe what I have seen,
18what the wise have declared and not concealed,
19to whom alone the land was given
when no foreigner passed among them.
20A wicked person writhes in pain all his days,
throughout the number of years reserved for the ruthless.
21Dreadful sounds fill his ears;
when he is at peace, a robber attacks him.
22He doesn’t believe he will return from darkness;
he is destined for the sword.15:22 Dt 32:41–42; Jb 19:29; Is 66:16
23He wanders about for food, asking, “Where is it?”
He knows the day of darkness is at hand.
overwhelming him like a king prepared for battle.
and has arrogantly opposed the Almighty.
26He rushes headlong at him
with his thick, studded shields.
27Though his face is covered with fat15:27 Lit with his fat
and his waistline bulges with it,
28he will dwell in ruined cities,
29He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure.
His possessions15:29 Text emended; MT reads Their gain will not increase in the land.
30He will not escape from the darkness;
flames will wither his shoots,
31Let him not put trust in worthless things, being led astray,
for what he gets in exchange will prove worthless.
32It will be accomplished before his time,
and his branch will not flourish.
33He will be like a vine that drops its unripe grapes15:33 Is 18:5; Jr 31:29–30; Ezk 18:2
and like an olive tree that sheds its blossoms.
and fire will consume the tents of those who offer bribes.
Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard
Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.