1. Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2. “Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer,and for this I make haste.
3. I have heard the rebuke that disgraces me,and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4. “Do you not know this of old,since man was placed upon earth,
5. that the triumphing of the wicked is short,and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?
6. Though his loftiness extends to the heavens,and his head reaches to the clouds,
7. yet he will perish forever like his own excrement;those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’
8. He will fly away like a dream and will not be found;yes, he will be chased away as a vision of the night.
9. The eye that saw him will see him no more;nor will his place behold him anymore.
10. His children will seek favor from the poor,and his hands will give back his wealth.
11. His bones are full of his youthful vigor,but it will lie down with him in the dust.