[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,
[2] “How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?
[3] Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?
[4] If your sons sinned against Him, Then He delivered them into the power of their transgression.
[5] If you would seek God And implore the compassion of the Almighty,
[6] If you are pure and upright, Surely now He would rouse Himself for you And restore your righteous estate.
[7] Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly.
[8] Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.
[9] For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.
[10] Will they not teach you and tell you, And bring forth words from their minds?
[11] Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?
[12] While it is still green and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other plant.
[13] So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the godless will perish,
[14] Whose confidence is fragile, And whose trust a spider's web.
[15] He trusts in his house, but it does not stand; He holds fast to it, but it does not endure.
[16] He thrives before the sun, And his shoots spread out over his garden.
[17] His roots wrap around a rock pile, He grasps a house of stones.
[18] If he is removed from his place, Then it will deny him, saying, ‘I never saw you.’
[19] Behold, this is the joy of His way; And out of the dust others will spring.
[20] Lo, God will not reject a man of integrity, Nor will He support the evildoers.
[21] He will yet fill your mouth with laughter And your lips with shouting.
[22] Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, And the tent of the wicked will be no longer.”