^20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said, ^20:2 Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, even because of my haste that is in me. ^20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame and the spirit of my understanding answers me.

    ^20:4 Know this of old time, since man was placed upon earth, ^20:5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short and the joy of the profane but for a moment? ^20:6 Though his height mounts up to the heavens and his head reaches to the clouds, ^20:7 yet he will perish forever like his own manure. Those who have seen him will say, Where is he? ^20:8 He will fly away as a dream and will not be found. Yes, he will be chased away as a vision of the night. ^20:9 The eye which saw him will see him no more, neither will his place any more behold him. ^20:10 His sons will seek the favor of the poor and his hands will give back his wealth. ^20:11 His bones are full of his youth, but it will lie down with him in the dust.

    ^20:12 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue, ^20:13 though he spares it and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth, ^20:14 yet his food in his guts is turned. It is the gall of adders within him. ^20:15 He has swallowed down riches and he will vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his belly. ^20:16 He will suck the poison of adders. The viper's tongue will kill him.^20:17 He will not look upon the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter. ^20:18 What he labored for will he restore and will not swallow it down. According to the substance that he has gotten, he will not rejoice.

    ^20:19 For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house and he will not build it up. ^20:20 Because he knew no quietness within him, he will not save any of that in which he delights. ^20:21 There was nothing left that he did not devour, therefore his prosperity will not endure.

    ^20:22 In the fullness of his sufficiency he will be in straits. The hand of everyone who is in misery will come upon him. ^20:23 When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath upon him and will rain it upon him while he is eating. ^20:24 He will flee from the iron weapon and the bow of brass will pass him through. ^20:25 He draws it forth and it comes out of his body, yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall. Terrors are upon him. ^20:26 All darkness is laid up for his treasures. A fire not blown will devour him. It will consume what is left in his tent. ^20:27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity and the earth will rise up against him. ^20:28 The increase of his house will depart, flowed away in the day of his wrath.

    ^20:29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God and the heritage appointed to him by God.