[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
[2] “If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking?
[3] Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands.
[4] Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;
[5] But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled.
[6] Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope?
[7] “Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off?
[8] Even as I have seen, Those who plow iniquity And sow trouble reap the same.
[9] By the blast of God they perish, And by the breath of His anger they are consumed.
[10] The roaring of the lion, The voice of the fierce lion, And the teeth of the young lions are broken.
[11] The old lion perishes for lack of prey, And the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
[12] “Now a word was secretly brought to me, And my ear received a whisper of it.
[13] In disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men,
[14] Fear came upon me, and trembling, Which made all my bones shake.
[15] Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up.
[16] It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice saying:
[17] ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
[18] If He puts no trust in His servants, If He charges His angels with error,
[19] How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, Whose foundation is in the dust, Who are crushed before a moth?
[20] They are broken in pieces from morning till evening; They perish forever, with no one regarding.
[21] Does not their own excellence go away? They die, even without wisdom.’