1. Then Job answered:
2. “Listen carefully to my words,and let this be the way you comfort me.
3. Be patient while I speak.After I have finished, you may continue to make fun of me.
4. “My complaint is not just against people;I have reason to be impatient.
5. Look at me and be shocked;put your hand over your mouth in shock.
6. When I think about this, I am terribly afraidand my body shakes.
7. Why do evil people live a long time?They grow old and become more powerful.
8. They see their children around them;they watch them grow up.
9. Their homes are safe and without fear;God does not punish them.
10. Their bulls never fail to mate;their cows have healthy calves.
11. They send out their children like a flock;their little ones dance about.
12. They sing to the music of tambourines and harps,and the sound of the flute makes them happy.
13. Evil people enjoy successful livesand then go peacefully to the grave.
14. They say to God, ‘Leave us alone!We don’t want to know your ways.
15. Who is the Almighty that we should serve him?What would we gain by praying to him?’