1. Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
2. “How long will you say these things? The words of your mouth are like a mighty wind.
3. Does God pervert justice? Does Shaddai pervert justice?
4. If your children sinned against Him, He handed them over to their rebellion.
5. If you would seek God and plead with Shaddai,
6. if you are pure and upright, even now He will awaken for you and restore your righteous abode.
7. And though your beginning was small, your future would flourish.
8. Now ask the previous generation; consider the findings of their fathers;
9. for we were born yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.
10. Will they not teach you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their hearts?
11. “Can papyrus grow tall without a marsh? Can reeds flourish without water?
12. When still in bloom and uncut, it withers more quickly than other grass.