Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper

1And Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:

2“Should one try a word with you, will you be wearied?

And who is able to be restrained from a word?

3Behold, you have instructed many,

and you have strengthened hands that are weak.

4The one stumbling, your words,

and bent knees you have strengthened.

5But now it has come to you, and you are weary;

it touches unto you, and you are disturbed.

6Is not your fear your confidence,

and the integrity of your ways your hope?

7Remember please:

Who is he who has perished being innocent?

And where have the upright been cut off?

8According to what I have seen,

those plowing iniquity and sowing trouble—

they shall reap it.

9By the breath of God they perish,

and by the blast of his nose they are consumed.

10The roar of the lion and the voice of the fierce lion,

and the teeth of the young lions are broken.

11The lion perishes for lack of prey,

and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.

12And to me a word was confided;

and my ear took in a whisper of it.

13In disquieting thoughts from visions of the night,

in the falling of deep sleep upon men,

14dread and trembling met me,

and the multitude of my bones it frightened.

15And a spirit† was gliding over my face,

the hair of my flesh bristled.

16It stood still,

I could not discern its appearance.

A likeness was in front of my eyes;

there was silence, and I heard a voice:

17‘Shall a human be righteous more than God?

Can a man be pure more than his Maker?

18Behold, in His servants He does not trust,

and His angels He charges with error;

19how much more those dwelling in houses of clay,

for whom their foundation is in the dust,

who are crushed before a moth?

20From morning to evening they are broken to pieces;

without anyone noticing, they perish forever.

21Has not their tent cord been pulled up with them?

They will die, and not in wisdom?’