Job 21

Job Begs Them to Listen

1 Then Job answered,

2 “Listen, just listen to me for real, let my words sink in, this is what comforts me.

3 Bear with me while I speak, and when I am done, go ahead and clown if you want.

4 But look, my complaint is not with man; why would I not be impatient,

5 Check me out, be shocked, cover your mouths in silence.

6 When I think about it, I am shook, my body trembles.”

The Prosperity of the Wicked

7 “Why do the wicked live long, grow old, flex with power,

8 Their kids are established around them, their descendants chilling before their eyes.

9 Their houses safe, no fear; God’s rod do not hit them.

10 Their bulls breed without fail, cows drop calves with no loss.

11 They send kids out like a party crew, their little ones dancing around.

12 They sing to the tambourine and harp, vibe out with the sound of the flute.

13 They spend their days balling out, then drop dead in peace.

14 But they tell God, ‘Bounce, we do not want your ways.’

15 ‘Who is Almighty that we should serve Him, What is in it for us to pray to Him?’

16 But see, their good life is not in their own hands, so do not cosign their thinking.”

The Fate of the Wicked Is in God’s Hands

17 “How often do the wicked’s lights get snuffed out, How often does disaster hit them, God dishing out His anger,

18 They like straw blowing in the wind, chaff whipped by the storm.

19 You say, ‘God saves punishment for their kids.’ Nah, let God pay them back directly so they will know it.

20 Let their own eyes see their ruin, let them drink the wrath of the Almighty.

21 Because what do they care for their house after they are gone, when their kids get cut off?”

Who Can Teach God,

22 “Can anybody school God, since He is the Judge over those on high,

23 One man dies in full strength, totally chill, at ease.

24 His body well-fed, bones soaked with marrow.

25 Another dies bitter, never enjoying good.

26 They both lay down in the dust, worms covering them alike.”

Job Calls Out His Friends’ Empty Talk

27 “Look, I know your thoughts, and the schemes you frame against me.

28 You say, ‘Where is the house of the rich man, Where is the tent where the wicked live?’

29 Have you not asked travelers, Do you not know their stories,

30 That the wicked are spared in the day of disaster, they get rescued in the day of wrath.

31 Who calls them out to their face, Who repays them for what they have done,

32 They get carried to the grave, a guard stands watch at their tomb.

33 The dirt in the valley feels sweet to them, the whole crowd follows, and countless people go before them.

34 So how you are going to comfort me with nonsense, when your answers smell like lies?”