1Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:2“How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.3Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?4When your children sinned against Him, He gave them over to their rebellion.5But if you would earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy,6if you are pure and upright, even now He will rouse Himself on your behalf and restore your righteous estate.7Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish.8Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.9For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.10Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding?11Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?12While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up more quickly than grass.13Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.14His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web.15He leans on his web, but it gives way; he holds fast, but it does not endure.16He is a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden.17His roots wrap around the rock heap; he looks for a home among the stones.18If he is uprooted from his place, it will disown him, saying, ‘I never saw you.’19Surely this is the joy of his way; yet others will spring from the dust.20Behold, God does not reject the blameless, nor will He strengthen the hand of evildoers.21He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with a shout of joy.22Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.”
