1. THEN ELIPHAZ the Temanite answered [Job],
2. Should a wise man utter such windy knowledge [as we have just heard] and fill himself with the east wind [of withering, parching, and violent accusations]?
3. Should he reason with unprofitable talk? Or with speeches with which he can do no good?
4. Indeed, you are doing away with [reverential] fear, and you are hindering and diminishing meditation and devotion before God.
5. For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty.
6. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; yes, your own lips testify against you.
7. Are you the first man that was born [the original wise man]? Or were you created before the hills?
8. Were you present to hear the secret counsel of God? And do you limit [the possession of] wisdom to yourself?
9. What do you know that we know not? What do you understand that is not equally clear to us?
10. Among us are both the gray-haired and the aged, older than your father by far.
11. Are God's consolations [as we have interpreted them to you] too trivial for you? Is there any secret thing (any bosom sin) which you have not given up? [Or] were we too gentle [in our first speech] toward you to be effective?
12. Why does your heart carry you away [why allow yourself to be controlled by feeling]? And why do your eyes flash [in anger or contempt],