1. Then Job replied:
2. “Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation.
3. Bear with me as I speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.
4. As for me, is my complaint against man? If so, why should I not be impatient?
5. Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth.
6. When I think of it, I am terrified and my flesh shudders.
7. Why do the wicked go on living, growing old and increasing in power?
8. Their children are established in their presence, their offspring before their eyes.
9. Their homes have peace and are free from fear; no rod of God is on them.
10. His bull breeds without fail; his cow calves and do not miscarry.
11. They send out their little ones like a flock and their children dance.
12. They sing to the tambourine and harp and rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13. They spend their days in prosperity, and in a moment go down to Sheol.