1. Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2. So now my thoughts provide an answer for me,because of the feelings within me.
3. A rebuke that puts me to shame I hear,and from my understanding a spirit gives me a reply.
4. Do you not know this: from of old,since human beings were placed upon the earth,
5. The triumph of the wicked is shortand the joy of the impious but for a moment?
6. Though his pride mount up to the heavensand his head reach to the clouds,
7. Yet he perishes forever like the dung he uses for fuel,and onlookers say, “Where is he?”
8. Like a dream he takes flight and cannot be found;he fades away like a vision of the night.
9. The eye which saw him does so no more;nor shall his dwelling again behold him.
10. His sons will restore to the poor,and his hands will yield up his riches.
11. Though his bones are full of youthful vigor,it shall lie with him in the dust.
12. Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth,and he hides it under his tongue,
13. Though he retains it and will not let it gobut keeps it still within his mouth,