(4:1–14:22)

4 Then Elifaz (from Teman) replied:

2 If someone tries to talk with you, will it wear you out?

But who can resist answering?

3 Listen, you’ve instructed many other people.

And you’ve encouraged those who were weak.

4 Your words have encouraged those who were stumbling.

You’ve strengthened those whose knees were buckling.

5 But now it’s you in trouble and you’re depressed.

Troubles touch you and you’re discouraged.

6 Doesn’t your faith give you confidence?

What about your hope and your integrity?

7 Remember: Who has ever perished when they were innocent?[fn]

Or when were godly people ever destroyed?

8 Just like I’ve seen those who plant evil and sow mischief harvest it back again,

9 God’s breath causes them to perish,

and with a snort of his nose they come to an end.

10 The lion roars and the UNKNOWN-lion sounds his voice,

AND the teeth of the young lions are broken.

11 The UNKNOWN-lion starves to death because of a lack of prey,

and the lionesses cubs are scattered.

12 Now a message was brought secretly to me,

and my ears caught a whisper of it.

13 When troubled by thoughts from dreams in the night,

when people have fallen into deep sleep,

14 I was hit by fear and trembling—

my bones were shaking with fright.

15 A spirit passed over my face,

and the hairs on my body stood on end.

16 It stood still, but I didn’t recognise what it was.

There was an image in front of my eyes.

It was silent and then I heard a voice:

17 ‘Can a mortal human be innocent before God?

Can a person be more pure than the creator of people?‘[fn]

18 Listen, he doesn’t even trust his own servants,

and he accuses his own messengers of making mistakes.

19 How much less for those whose bodies were made from the clay,

whose foundations were made from the dust.

They’re crushed even easier than a moth is.

20 They’re destroyed from morning to evening.

They’re always dying even without anyone doing anything.

21 Their tent cords are pulled out on them.

They die and don’t even know why.

5 Call out to God now. Does anyone answer?

Which of the holy ones will you turn to?

2 Resentment kills foolish people.

Jealousy kills those who’re simple-minded.

3 I’ve seen foolish people taking root,

then I’ve immediately cursed their homes.

4 Their children are far from safety,

and they[fn] are crushed in the gate,[fn]

and no one saves them.

5 Those who’re hungry consume his harvest

even getting it from among the thorns.

Greedy people long for his wealth.

6 Hardship doesn’t just grow up from the dust,

and trouble doesn’t just spring up from the ground.

7 Everyone is born into trouble—

sparks tend to fly up high.

8 But for myself, I’ll search for God

and I’ll approach him with my case.

9 He does incredible things,

and performs wonders without number that are beyond our understanding.

10 He’s the one giving rain all over the earth,

and sending water onto the fields.

11 God helps the humble to prosper,

and he lifts those who’re mourning to a safe place.

12 He frustrates the schemes of the crafty,

so their actions cannot succeed.

13 He catches smart people in their craftiness,

and he hurries along the plans of those who’re deceptive.

14 Even in the daytime, they remain in darkness.

Even at midday, they feel their way around as if it’s nighttime.

15 He saves the poor from the plans of those smart people,

and from the actions of powerful people.

16 So the poor have hope,

and injustice is silenced.

17 Listen, the person who’s corrected by God is blessed.

Don’t despise chastening from God the provider.

18 He wounds and he also bandages up.

He strikes but his hands also heal.

19 If you get in trouble six times, he’ll rescue you.

Even seven times, he’ll prevent you from being harmed.

20 During famines, he’ll rescue you from death,

≈and in war, he’ll save you from slaughter.

21 He’ll hide you away from hurting words,

≈and when destruction comes, you won’t be afraid.

22 You’ll laugh at destruction and at famine,

≈and you won’t be afraid of wild animals,

23 because you have an agreement with the stones in the fields for walls,

≈and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

24 You’ll know that your home is secure,

≈and you’ll inspect your animal shelters and nothing will be missing.

25 You’ll know that your descendants will be numerous,

≈and your offspring like the grass on the land.

26 You’ll reach an old age before you get to the grave,

like grain that’s harvested at the right time.

27 Listen to this: we’ve investigated and it’s true.

Listen to it so you’ll know for yourself.