Job 15 — FBV

15Verse 1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,^{Verse 2}“Would a wise man answer with such empty ‘knowledge’ that is just a lot of hot air?^{+Verse 3}He wouldn't argue with unprofitable speeches using words that do no good.^{Verse 4}But you are doing away with the fear of God, and destroying communion with him.^{Verse 5}It's your sins that are doing the talking, and you are choosing deceptive words.^{Verse 6}Your own mouth is condemning you, not me; your own lips are testifying against you.^{Verse 7}Were you the very first person to be born? Were you born before the hills were created?^{+Verse 8}Were you there listening in God's council?⁺Does wisdom only belong to you?^{Verse 9}What do you know that we don't? What do you understand that we don't?^{Verse 10}We have among us old, gray-haired people much older than your father!^{Verse 11}Are the comforts God provides too little for you? Are God's gentle words not enough for you?^{Verse 12}Why do you let yourself be carried away by your emotions?^{+Verse 13}Why do your eyes flash in anger that you turn against God and let yourself speak this way?^{Verse 14}Who can say they are clean? Which human being can say that they do what is right?^{Verse 15}Look, God doesn't even trust his angels—even the heavenly beings are not pure in his sight!^{Verse 16}How much less pure are those who are unclean and corrupt, drinking in sin like water!^{Verse 17}If you are ready to listen to me, I will show you. I will explain my insights.^{Verse 18}This is what wise men have said, confirmed by their ancestors,^{Verse 19}those to whom alone the land was given before foreigners ever were there.^{+Verse 20}The wicked writhe in pain all their lives, through all the years these oppressors survive.^{Verse 21}Terrifying sounds fill their ears; even when they think they're safe, the destroyer will attack them.^{Verse 22}They don't believe they will escape the darkness—they know a sword is waiting for them.^{+Verse 23}They wander around looking for food, asking ‘Where is it?’ They know that their day of darkness is close at hand.^{Verse 24}Misery and torment overwhelm them like a king preparing for battle.^{Verse 25}They shake their fists in God's face, defiantly challenging the Almighty,^{Verse 26}insolently attacking him with their shields.^{Verse 27}They have become fat in their rebellion, their bellies bloated with fat.^{Verse 28}But their cities will become desolate; they will live in abandoned houses that are crumbling into ruins.^{Verse 29}They will lose their riches, their wealth will not endure, their possessions will not spread over the earth.^{Verse 30}They will not escape from the darkness. Like a tree whose shoots are burned up in a forest fire, the breath of God will blow him away.^{Verse 31}They should not trust in things that are worthless, for their reward will be worthless.^{+Verse 32}This will be paid in full before their time has come. They are like tree branches that wither,^{Verse 33}like vines that lose their unripe grapes, or olive trees that lose their flowers.^{+Verse 34}For those who reject God are barren,⁺and fire will burn up the homes of those who love bribes.^{Verse 35}They plan trouble and produce evil, giving birth to deception.”