Eliphaz Speaks: Job Has Sinned

1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:

2‘If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended?

But who can keep from speaking?

3See, you have instructed many;

you have strengthened the weak hands.

4Your words have supported those who were stumbling,

and you have made firm the feeble knees.

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

it touches you, and you are dismayed.

6Is not your fear of God your confidence,

and the integrity of your ways your hope?

7‘Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?

Or where were the upright cut off?

8As I have seen, those who plough iniquity

and sow trouble reap the same.

9By the breath of God they perish,

and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.

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

and the teeth of the young lions are broken.

11The strong lion perishes for lack of prey,

and the whelps of the lioness are scattered.

12‘Now a word came stealing to me,

my ear received the whisper of it.

13Amid thoughts from visions of the night,

when deep sleep falls on mortals,

14dread came upon me, and trembling,

which made all my bones shake.

15A spirit glided past my face;

the hair of my flesh bristled.

16It stood still,

but I could not discern its appearance.

A form was before my eyes;

there was silence, then I heard a voice:

17“Can mortals be righteous before4.17 Or more than God?

Can human beings be pure before4.17 Or more than their Maker?

18Even in his servants he puts no trust,

and his angels he charges with error;

19how much more those who live in houses of clay,

whose foundation is in the dust,

who are crushed like a moth.

20Between morning and evening they are destroyed;

they perish for ever without any regarding it.

21Their tent-cord is plucked up within them,

and they die devoid of wisdom.”