1. Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,
2. “Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.
3. I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.
4. Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,
5. that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?
6. Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds,
7. yet he shall perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him shall say, ‘Where is he?’
8. He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found. Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.
9. The eye which saw him shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more see him.
10. His children shall seek the favor of the poor. His hands shall give back his wealth.
11. His bones are full of his youth, but youth shall lie down with him in the dust.
12. “Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue,
13. though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth;
14. yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within him.
15. He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his belly.
16. He shall suck cobra venom. The viper’s tongue shall kill him.