Job 4 DBY
Summary: Eliphaz the Temanite offers the first friend's response, gently but firmly noting that Job, who has comforted others in trouble, now grows impatient facing his own. He appeals to the principle that the innocent do not perish and the upright are not cut off, asking, "who ever perished, being innocent?" and observing that those who plow evil reap the same. Eliphaz then recounts a mysterious night vision in which a spirit passed before him and a voice asked whether a mortal could be more just than God, since even God's angels are charged with error, much less those who dwell in houses of clay.
1And Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
2If a word were essayed to thee, wouldest thou be grieved? But who can refrain from speaking?
3Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands;
4Thy words have upholden him that was stumbling, and thou hast braced up the bending knees:
5But now it is come upon thee, and thou grievest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
6Hath not thy piety been thy confidence, and the perfection of thy ways thy hope?
7Remember, I pray thee, who that was innocent has perished? and where were the upright cut off?
8Even as I have seen, they that plough iniquity and sow mischief, reap the same.
9By the breath ofGod they perish, and by the blast of his nostrils are they consumed.
10The roar of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken;
11The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness are scattered.
12Now to me a word was secretly brought, and mine ear received a whisper thereof.
13In thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men: —
14Fear came on me, and trembling, and made all my bones to shake;
15And a spirit passed before my face — the hair of my flesh stood up —
16It stood still; I could not discern the appearance thereof: a form was before mine eyes; I heard a slight murmur and a voice:
17Shall [mortal] man be more just thanGod? Shall a man be purer than his Maker?
18Lo, he trusteth not his servants, and his angels he chargeth with folly:
19How much more them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as the moth!
20From morning to evening are they smitten: without any heeding it, they perish for ever.
21Is not their tent-cord torn away in them? they die, and without wisdom.
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