Job 8
Then Bildad the Shuhite spoke out saying:
How long will you mouth such notions?
Your utterances are a blustering wind.
Would God pervert justice?
Would the Almighty pervert what is right?
Surely your children sinned against Him,
So, He dispatched them for their transgression.
But if you yourself would earnestly seek out God now,
And make supplication to the Almighty,
If you are blameless and upright,
He would surely watch over you
And safeguard your righteous home.
Then your past would seem a trifle,
So greatly exalted will be your future.
Inquire, I pray you, of the older generation,
Heed the insight of their fathers.
For we were born yesterday, unknowing,
Our days on earth but shadows.
Will they not instruct you?
Will they not inform you?
Will they not bring forth these words from their understanding?
Can papyrus sprout where there is no marsh?
Can its reeds grow grand without water?
While yet in blossom, not ready to cut,
Before other plants, it withers.
Such is the fate of all who disregard God,
The hope of the godless shall perish.
Their self-confidence is gossamer,
A spider’s web, their trust.
If one leans upon it,
It will not stand.
If one grasp it,
It will not endure.
This other one is fresh, even in sunshne.
Its shoots spread beyond its place,
About a rock pile, its roots entwine,
Clothing a house of stone.
If its place should uproot it,
And deny it saying “I know you not,”
Behold it continues its joyous way,
From the earth elsewhere it will sprout again.
Surely God will not despise the blameless,
Nor champion evildoers.
God will yet fill your mouth with laughter,
Your lips with shouts of joy.
Your enemies will be clothed in disgrace,
The dwelling of the wicked will vanish.