[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, [2] "How long will you speak these
things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? [3] Does God
pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness? [4] If your
children have sinned against him, He has delivered them into the hand of
their disobedience; [5] If you want to seek God diligently, Make your
supplication to the Almighty. [6] If you were pure and upright, Surely
now he would awaken for you, And make the habitation of your righteousness
prosperous. [7] Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would
greatly increase. [8] "Please inquire of past generations, Find out
about the learning of their fathers. [9] (For we are but of yesterday, and
know nothing, Because our days on earth are a shadow.) [10] Shall they
not teach you, tell you, And utter words out of their heart? [11] "Can
the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water?
[12] While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, It withers before
any other reed. [13] So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of
the godless man shall perish, [14] Whose confidence shall break apart,
Whose trust is a spider`s web. [15] He shall lean on his house, but it
shall not stand. He shall cling to it, but it shall not endure. [16] He
is green before the sun, His shoots go forth over his garden. [17] His
roots are wrapped around the rock pile, He sees the place of stones.
[18] If he is destroyed from his place, Then it shall deny him, saying,
`I have not seen you.` [19] Behold, this is the joy of his way: Out of
the earth shall others spring. [20] "Behold, God will not cast away a
blameless man, Neither will he uphold the evil-doers. [21] He will still
fill your mouth with laughter, Your lips with shouting. [22] Those who
hate you shall be clothed with shame. The tent of the wicked shall be no
more."
