1 ¶ Then Job answered,

2 Listen carefully to what I say, and let this be the comfort you offer.

3 Allow me to also speak; and after I have spoken, mock on.

4 As for me, am I complaining about men? if I were, why shouldn’t my spirit be troubled?

5 Look at me, and be astonished, and lay your hand over your mouth.

6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling takes hold on my flesh.

7 ¶ Why do the wicked live, yea, become old, and mighty in power?

8 They see their children established with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

9 Their houses are safe from fear, nor is the rod of God upon them.

10 Their bull genders, and does not fail; their cow calves, and does not miscarry her calf.

11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

12 They take the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the flute.

13 They spend their days in wealth, and peacefully go down to the grave.

14 Therefore they say to God, Depart from us; for we do not want the knowledge of your ways.

15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what would we gain, if we pray to him?

16 But their happiness is not in their hand: the way the wicked think is far from me.

17 ¶ How often is the candle of the wicked put out? how often does destruction come upon them, or God distribute sorrows in his anger?

18 How often are they as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carries away?

19 You say God saves up his punishment for his children: he should give it to him, so he will know it.

20 His eyes will see his destruction, and he will drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21 For what interest does he have in his family after he is dead, when the number of his months is cut off?

22 Shall any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those who are high?

23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

24 His thighs are full of fat, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

25 And another dies in the bitterness of his soul, never having tasted happiness.

26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.

27 ¶ Behold, I know your thoughts, and the things that you wrongfully imagine against me.

28 For you say, Where is the house of the rich? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked?

29 Have you never asked those who travel this way? do you not accept their reports,

30 That the evil man is spared on the day of destruction? they are delivered on the day of wrath.

31 Who will tell him to his face how he lived? and who will repay him for what he has done?

32 Yet he will be brought to the grave, and will remain in the tomb.

33 The clods of the valley are sweet to him, and everyone follows him, and countless others before him.

34 Why then do you comfort me with nothing, since your answers are obviously wrong?