Job 15
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Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: Begin Abide·
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“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? Begin Abide·
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Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? Begin Abide·
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But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. Begin Abide·
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For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. Begin Abide·
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Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. Begin Abide·
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Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills? Begin Abide·
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Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? Begin Abide·
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What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us? Begin Abide·
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Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side—men much older than your father. Begin Abide·
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Are the consolations of God not enough for you, even words spoken gently to you? Begin Abide·
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Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash, Begin Abide·
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so that you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth? Begin Abide·
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What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? Begin Abide·
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If God puts no trust in His holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes, Begin Abide·
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how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water? Begin Abide·
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Listen to me and I will inform you. I will describe what I have seen, Begin Abide·
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what was declared by wise men and was not concealed from their fathers, Begin Abide·
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to whom alone the land was given when no foreigner passed among them. Begin Abide·
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A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. Begin Abide·
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Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. Begin Abide·
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He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. Begin Abide·
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He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand. Begin Abide·
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Distress and anguish terrify him, overwhelming him like a king poised to attack. Begin Abide·
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For he has stretched out his hand against God and has vaunted himself against the Almighty, Begin Abide·
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rushing headlong at Him with a thick, studded shield. Begin Abide·
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Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh, Begin Abide·
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he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble. Begin Abide·
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He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land. Begin Abide·
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He will not escape from the darkness; the flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Begin Abide·
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Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward. Begin Abide·
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It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish. Begin Abide·
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He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree that sheds its blossoms. Begin Abide·
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For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery. Begin Abide·
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They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.” Begin Abide·