1Then Job answered and said,2Hear attentively my speech, and let this be your consolation.3Bear with me, and I will speak; after I have spoken, you may mock.4Is my complaint addressed to a man? If so, why should my spirit not grow short?5Turn to me and be appalled, and lay your hand upon your mouth.6When I remember, I am dismayed, and shuddering seizes my flesh.7Why do the wicked live on, grow old, and increase in power?8Their seed is established before them and with them, and their offspring before their eyes.9Their houses are at peace, free from dread, and the rod of God does not strike them.10His bull breeds and does not fail; his heifer calves and does not miscarry.11They send out their boys like a flock, and their youths skip about.12They lift up tambourine and lyre and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.13They complete their days in prosperity and in a moment go down to Sheol.14They say to God, 'Depart from us, for we have no delight in the knowledge of your ways.'15What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit do we gain if we entreat him?16Look, their goodness is not in their hand; far be the counsel of the wicked from me.17How often is the lamp of the wicked put out, and calamity comes upon them? Pains he apportions in his anger.18They become like straw before the wind and like chaff that a whirlwind steals.19God stores up his evil for his sons; he repays him, and he knows it.20His eyes see his ruin, and he drinks the wrath of the Almighty.21For what is his pleasure in his house after him, once the number of his months is cut off?22Will anyone teach knowledge to God, when he himself judges those on high?23This one dies in full strength, wholly at ease and secure.24His pails are full of milk, and the marrow of his bones is moist.25And this one dies in bitterness of soul and has never tasted prosperity.26Together they lie down upon the dust, and worms cover them.27Look, I know your plots, and the schemes by which you wrong me.28For you say, 'Where is the house of the noble, and where is the tent of the tabernacles of the wicked?'29Have you not asked those who pass by the way, and do you not recognize their signs?30For to the day of calamity the evil is reserved; they are brought to the day of wrath.31Who declares his way to his face, and who repays him for what he has done?32He is carried to the graves, and watch is kept over his tomb.33The clods of the torrent are sweet to him; after him everyone draws, and before him there is no number.34How then can you comfort me with vanity, when your answers remain full of unfaithfulness?