 1 Zophar the Naamathite said, 2 Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, even because of my haste in me. 3 I have heard the rebuke meant to shame me, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer. 4 Do you know this from days of old, from the setting of man on earth, 5 that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the ungodly is for a moment? 6 Though his honor mounts up to the heavens, and his head reaches to the clouds, 7 he will perish forever like his dung. They who see him will say, Where is he? 8 He flies away like a dream and will not be found but will be chased away like a vision of the night. 9 An eye glimpsed him but will not again. Yes, his place will not see him again. 10 His sons will seek to please the poor, and his hands will restore his wealth. 11 His bones are full of his youthful vigor, but it lies down with him in the dust. 12 Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hides it under his tongue; 13 though he spares it and will not leave it. Yes, keeps it still in his mouth; 14 yet his food in his belly will be turned. The gall of asps is within him. 15 He swallows riches, but vomits it; God will cast them out of his belly. 16 He will suck the poison of asps. The viper's tongue will slay him. 17 He will not see the rivers, the flowings of the brooks of honey and butter, 18 giving back his gain, and he will not eat. As to the wealth of his trading, he will not enjoy it. 19 For he pressed down and forsook the poor. He stole a house, but he had not built it. 20 Surely he will not know quietness in his belly. He will not escape with the things of desire. 21 None of his food will be left. Therefore his good will not last. 22 In the fullness of his plenty he will be in trouble. Every wretched one will come on him. 23 It will happen at the filling of his belly, God will cast the fury of His wrath on him, and He will rain on him while he is eating. 24 He will flee from the iron weapon, a bow of bronze will pierce him. 25 One draws it, and treads it from behind, even lightning from his gall. Terror is on him. 26 All darkness will be hidden in his secret places. A fire not blown will consume him. Those left in his tent will be broken. 27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth rise up against him. 28 The increase of his house will depart, and will flow away in the day of his wrath. 29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the inheritance of his word from God.
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