> [[job-07|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-09|Next →]] --- # Job, Chapter 8 ## Chapter 8 **Bildad’s First Speech.** 1 Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: ^job-08-1 2 How long will you utter such things? ^job-08-2 The words from your mouth are a mighty wind! 3 Does God pervert judgment, ^job-08-3 does the Almighty pervert justice? 4 If your children have sinned against him ^job-08-4 and he has left them in the grip of their guilt, 5 Still, if you yourself have recourse to God ^job-08-5 and make supplication to the Almighty, 6 Should you be blameless and upright, ^job-08-6 surely now he will rouse himself for you and restore your rightful home. 7 Though your beginning was small, ^job-08-7 your future will flourish indeed. 8 Inquire of the former generations, ^job-08-8 pay attention to the experience of their ancestors— 9 As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge, ^job-08-9 because our days on earth are but a shadow— 10 Will they not teach you and tell you ^job-08-10 and utter their words of understanding? 11 Can the papyrus grow up without mire? ^job-08-11 Can the reed grass flourish without water? 12 While it is yet green and uncut, ^job-08-12 it withers quicker than any grass. 13 So is the end of everyone who forgets God, ^job-08-13 and so shall the hope of the godless perish. 14 His confidence is but a gossamer thread, ^job-08-14 his trust is a spider’s house. 15 He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand; ^job-08-15 he shall cling to it, but it shall not endure. 16 He thrives in full sun, ^job-08-16 and over his garden his shoots go forth; 17 About a heap of stones his roots are entwined; ^job-08-17 among the rocks he takes hold. 18 Yet if one tears him from his place, ^job-08-18 it will disown him: “I have never seen you!” 19 There he lies rotting beside the road, ^job-08-19 and out of the soil another sprouts. 20 Behold, God will not cast away the upright; ^job-08-20 neither will he take the hand of the wicked. 21 Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter ^job-08-21 and your lips with rejoicing. 22 Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame, ^job-08-22 and the tent of the wicked shall be no more. --- \* (8:11] – [13) As marsh plants need water, so human beings need God. These verses may be a quotation from the teaching of the ancestors; cf. v. [10]. --- a. (8:3) [Jb 34:10] – [12]. b. (8:8) [Dt 4:32]; [32:7]. c. (8:9) [Jb 14:2]; [Ps 102:12]; [109:23]; [144:4]; ([[wisdom-02|Wis 2]]:5]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[job-07|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-09|Next →]]