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[1] Then Sophar the Minaean answered and said,
[2] I did not suppose that thou wouldest answer thus: neither do ye understand more than I.
[3] I will hear my shameful reproach; and the spirit of my understanding answers me.
[4] Hast thou not known these things of old, from the time that man was set upon the earth?
[5] But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:
[6] although his gifts should go up to heaven, and his sacrifice reach the clouds.
[7] For when he shall seem to be now established, then he shall utterly perish: and they that knew him shall say, Where is he?
[8] Like a dream that has fled away, he shall not be found; and he has fled like a vision of the night.
[9] The eye has looked upon him, but shall not see him again; and his place shall no longer perceive him.
[10] Let his inferiors destroy his children, and let his hands kindle the fire of sorrow.
[11] His bones have been filled with vigour of his youth, and it shall lie down with him in the dust.
[12] Though evil be sweet in his mouth, though he will hide it under his tongue;
[13] though he will not spare it, and will not leave it, but will keep it in the midst of his throat:
[14] yet he shall not at all be able to help himself; the gall of an asp is in his belly.
[15] His wealth unjustly collected shall be vomited up; a messenger of wrath shall drag him out of his house.
[16] And let him suck the poison of serpents, and let the serpent's tongue slay him.
[17] Let him not see the milk of the pastures, nor the supplies of honey and butter.
[18] He has laboured unprofitably and in vain, for wealth of which he shall not taste: it is as a lean thing, unfit for food, which he cannot swallow.
[19] For he has broken down the houses of many mighty men: and he has plundered an habitation, though he built it not.
[20] There is no security to his possessions; he shall not be saved by his desire.
[21] There is nothing remaining of his provisions; therefore his goods shall not flourish.
[22] But when he shall seem to be just satisfied, he shall be straitened; and all distress shall come upon him.
[23] If by any means he would fill his belly, let God send upon him the fury of wrath; let him bring a torrent of pains upon him.
[24] And he shall by no means escape from the power of the sword; let the brazen bow wound him.
[25] And let the arrow pierce through his body; and let the stars be against his dwelling-place: let terrors come upon him.
[26] And let all darkness wait for him: a fire that burns not out shall consume him; and let a stranger plague his house.
[27] And let the heaven reveal his iniquities, and the earth rise up against him.
[28] Let destruction bring his house to an end; let a day of wrath come upon him.
[29] This is the portion of an ungodly man from the Lord, and the possession of his goods appointed him by the all-seeing God.
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