THE BOOK OF JOB

Job Chapter 8

1 ¶ Then Bildad the Shuhite replied, and said,

2 How long will you speak these things? and how long will the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?

3 Does God pervert judgment? or does the Almighty pervert justice?

4 Since your children sinned against him, he let their wrongs destroy them;

5 If you would earnestly seek God, and make your plea to the Almighty;

6 If you were pure and upright; he would surely now arise for you, and restore the home where your righteousness dwells.

7 Even though your beginning was modest, yet your final days will be full of prosperity.

8 ¶ For I urge you to inquire of previous generations, and consider what the fathers have learned:

9 (For we were born only yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are so brief:)

10 Will they not teach you, and inform you, and speak words from their understanding?

11 Does the rush grow where there is no marsh? do reeds flourish without water?

12 While it is yet green, and not cut down, it withers before any other plant.

13 So are the paths of all who forget God; and the hope of the hypocrite will perish:

14 His confidence is a thread, and what he relies on a spider’s web.

15 If one leans on his house, it will not stand: if one clings to it, it will not endure.

16 He is like a green plant in the sun, whose branches spread out over the garden.

17 His roots are entwined around a pile of rocks, and find their way among the stones.

18 But if he is uprooted from his place, then it will deny him, saying, I have not seen you.

19 Behold, such is the joy of his way, and out of the earth others will sprout to replace him.

20 ¶ Behold, God will not abandon a blameless man, nor will he help evil doers.

21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with rejoicing.

22 Those who hate you will be covered with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked will be no more.