1. Then Job answered and said:
2. At least listen to my words,and let that be the consolation you offer.
3. Bear with me while I speak;and after I have spoken, you can mock!
4. Is my complaint toward any human being?Why should I not be impatient?
5. Look at me and be appalled,put your hands over your mouths.
6. When I think of it, I am dismayed,and shuddering seizes my flesh.
7. Why do the wicked keep on living,grow old, become mighty in power?
8. Their progeny is secure in their sight;their offspring are before their eyes.
9. Their homes are safe, without fear,and the rod of God is not upon them.
10. Their bulls breed without fail;their cows calve and do not miscarry.
11. They let their young run free like sheep,their children skip about.
12. They sing along with drum and lyre,and make merry to the sound of the pipe.
13. They live out their days in prosperity,and tranquilly go down to Sheol.
14. Yet they say to God, “Depart from us,for we have no desire to know your ways!
15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him?And what do we gain by praying to him?”