1 In response, Job said: ISV — Job 21:1
2 “Listen carefully to my words; let this encourage all of you. ISV — Job 21:2
3 Bear with me and let me speak! Then, after I’ve spoken, you’ll be free to mock me. ISV — Job 21:3
4 After all, isn’t my complaint against a human being? If so, why shouldn’t I be impatient? ISV — Job 21:4
5 Look at me, be appalled, and then shut up! ISV — Job 21:5
6 When I think about this, a21:6 The Heb. lacks of this I’m petrified with terror and my body shudders uncontrollably.” ISV — Job 21:6
7 “Why do the wicked live to reach old age and increase in power and wealth, too? ISV — Job 21:7
8 Their children grow up while they’re alive, and they live to see their grandchildren. ISV — Job 21:8
9 Their houses are safe from fear, and God’s chastisement b21:9 Lit. rod never visits them. ISV — Job 21:9
10 Their bull breeds without fail, and their cows calve without miscarriages. ISV — Job 21:10
11 They release their children to play like sheep; their young ones c21:11 Or children dance about, ISV — Job 21:11
12 singing d21:12 Lit. they take up with tambourines and lyres as they rejoice to the sound of flutes. ISV — Job 21:12
13 They grow old e21:13 Lit. wear out their days in prosperity, as they descend peacefully into the afterlife. f21:13 Lit. Sheol; i.e. the abode of the dead ISV — Job 21:13
14 “They say to God, ‘Turn away from us! We have no desire to know your ways. ISV — Job 21:14
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? Where’s the profit in talking to him?’ ISV — Job 21:15
16 Behold! Their prosperity isn’t in their control! The counsel of the wicked will remain far from me.” ISV — Job 21:16
17 “How often do the wicked have their lights put out? Does calamity ever fall on them? Will God g21:17 Lit. he in his anger ever apportion their destruction? ISV — Job 21:17
18 May they become like a straw, blown away before the wind; like a chaff that’s swept off by a storm. ISV — Job 21:18
19 God stores up their iniquity to repay their children; making them h21:19 Lit. him repay so that they may be aware. ISV — Job 21:19
20 Their own eyes will see their destruction; and they’ll drink the wrath of the Almighty. ISV — Job 21:20
21 What will they care for their household after them, when the number of his months comes to an end?” ISV — Job 21:21
22 “Can God learn anything? After all, he will judge even the exalted ones. ISV — Job 21:22
23 Such persons will die in their full vigor, completely prosperous and secure. ISV — Job 21:23
24 His buckets are filled with milk, his bone marrow is healthy. i21:24 Lit. moist ISV — Job 21:24
25 Others die with a bitter soul, never having tasted the good life. j21:25 The Heb. lacks life ISV — Job 21:25
26 They both lie down in the dust; and worms k21:26 Lit. and a worm cover them.” ISV — Job 21:26
27 “Look! I know your thoughts, your plans l21:27 Or purposes are going to harm me. ISV — Job 21:27
28 You ask, ‘Where is the noble person’s house?’ and ‘Where are the tents where the wicked live?’ ISV — Job 21:28
29 Haven’t you asked travelers on the highway? Don’t you accept their word ISV — Job 21:29
30 that the wicked person is spared from times of calamity, that he is rescued on the day of wrath? ISV — Job 21:30
31 Who will expose his conduct to his face? Who will repay him for what he has done ISV — Job 21:31
32 when he is carried away to the cemetery and guardians are placed to watch his tomb? ISV — Job 21:32
33 The runoff from the streams will seem sweet to him; everyone will follow after him; countless crows march ahead of him. ISV — Job 21:33
34 How then, can you console me so worthlessly? What is left of your answers is treachery.” ISV — Job 21:34