Job 8:1–22

¹ Then Bildad the Shuhite replied: ² “How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind. ³ Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? ⁴ When your children sinned against Him, He gave them over to their rebellion. ⁵ But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy, ⁶ if you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore your righteous estate. ⁷ Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish. ⁸ Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. ⁹ For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. ¹⁰ Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding? ¹¹ Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? ¹² While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up quicker than grass. ¹³ Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish. ¹⁴ His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web. ¹⁵ He leans on his web, but it gives way; he holds fast, but it does not endure. ¹⁶ He is a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden. ¹⁷ His roots wrap around the rock heap; he looks for a home among the stones. ¹⁸ If he is uprooted from his place, it will disown him, saying, ‘I never saw you.’ ¹⁹ Surely this is the joy of his way; yet others will spring from the dust. ²⁰ Behold, God does not reject the blameless, nor will He strengthen the hand of evildoers. ²¹ He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with a shout of joy. ²² Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”