← Job

Job 20

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Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: Begin Abide·
2
“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. Begin Abide·
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I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. Begin Abide·
4
Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth, Begin Abide·
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the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? Begin Abide·
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Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, Begin Abide·
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he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ Begin Abide·
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He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night. Begin Abide·
9
The eye that saw him will see him no more, and his place will no longer behold him. Begin Abide·
10
His sons will seek the favor of the poor, for his own hands must return his wealth. Begin Abide·
11
The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie down with him in the dust. Begin Abide·
12
Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, Begin Abide·
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though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, Begin Abide·
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yet in his stomach his food sours into the venom of cobras within him. Begin Abide·
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He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach. Begin Abide·
16
He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him. Begin Abide·
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He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream. Begin Abide·
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He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. Begin Abide·
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For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. Begin Abide·
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Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure. Begin Abide·
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Nothing is left for him to consume; thus his prosperity will not endure. Begin Abide·
22
In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. Begin Abide·
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When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. Begin Abide·
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Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. Begin Abide·
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It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. Begin Abide·
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Total darkness is reserved for his treasures. A fire unfanned will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. Begin Abide·
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The heavens will expose his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. Begin Abide·
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The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. Begin Abide·
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This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the inheritance God has appointed him.” Begin Abide·