1 Then Zophar from Naamath replied: ISV — Job 20:1
2 “Therefore my anxious thoughts cause me to answer because I’m agitated within me. ISV — Job 20:2
3 Whenever I hear an insulting rebuke, I respond from my spirit because I understand.” ISV — Job 20:3
4 “Haven’t you known this from ancient times, since mankind was placed on the earth? ISV — Job 20:4
5 The wicked triumph only briefly; the joy of the godless is momentary. ISV — Job 20:5
6 Though he grow as tall as the sky, or though his head touches the clouds, ISV — Job 20:6
7 he’ll perish forever, like his own excrement; those who saw him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ ISV — Job 20:7
8 He’ll vanish a20:8 Lit. He’ll fly away like a dream, and no one will find him; he will be chased away like a night vision.” ISV — Job 20:8
9 “An eye that gazes at him won’t do so again; and his place won’t even recognize him. ISV — Job 20:9
10 His sons will make amends to the poor; their hands will return his wealth. ISV — Job 20:10
11 Though his bones were full of youthful vigor; yet they will lie down with him in the dust. ISV — Job 20:11
12 Though evil tastes sweet in his mouth, though he conceals it under his tongue, ISV — Job 20:12
13 though he savors it and delays swallowing it so he can taste it again and again in his mouth, b20:13 Lit. can hold it in the middle of his palate ISV — Job 20:13
14 his food will turn rancid in his stomach— it will become a cobra’s poison inside him. ISV — Job 20:14
15 “Though he swallows wealth, he will vomit it; God will dislodge it from his stomach. ISV — Job 20:15
16 He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs c20:16 Or tongue of a viper will slay him. ISV — Job 20:16
17 He won’t look at the rivers— the torrents of honey and curd. d20:17 Or butter ISV — Job 20:17
18 “He will restore what he has attained from his work and won’t consume it; he won’t enjoy the profits from his business transactions, ISV — Job 20:18
19 because he has crushed and abandoned the poor; he has seized a house that he didn’t build. ISV — Job 20:19
20 “Since his appetite won’t quit; e20:20 Lit. his belly knew no contentment he won’t let anything escape his lust. f20:20 Lit. delight ISV — Job 20:20
21 Because nothing was left for him to devour, therefore his prosperity won’t last. ISV — Job 20:21
22 Even though he is satiated and self-sufficient, he suffers— everyone in any sort of trouble will attack him. ISV — Job 20:22
23 “It will come about that, when he has filled himself to the full, God g20:23 Lit. he will vent his burning anger on him; he will pour it out on him and on his body. ISV — Job 20:23
24 Though he dodges an iron weapon, a bronze arrow will pierce him. ISV — Job 20:24
25 It will impale him and come out through his back; the point will glisten as it protrudes through his gall bladder, and he will be terrified. ISV — Job 20:25
26 “Total darkness has been reserved for his treasures; a fire that has no need to be kindled will devour him and consume whatever remains in his possession. h20:26 Lit. tent ISV — Job 20:26
27 Heaven will reveal his iniquity, while the earth will rise up against him. ISV — Job 20:27
28 A flood will wash away his house; dragging it away when God becomes angry. ISV — Job 20:28
29 This is what the wicked person inherits from God; it is the inheritance that God appoints for him.” ISV — Job 20:29