1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied,
2“Therefore my thoughts make me answer, because of my inner turmoil and haste.
3I have heard your shameful criticism, and my understanding tells me how to reply.
4Don’t you know this from ancient times, ever since people were put on earth,
5that the triumph of the wicked is short, and the joy of those who don't care about God lasts only a moment?
6Even if their pride reaches the heavens, and their head touches the clouds,
7they will disappear forever like their own waste. Those who saw them will ask, ‘Where are they?’
8They will fly away like a dream and won't be found. Yes, they will be chased away like a vision in the night.
9The eye that saw them will never see them again, and their home will no longer recognize them.
10Their children will have to beg for help from the poor. Their own hands will have to give back their wealth.
11Their bones were full of youthful strength, but that youth will lie down with them in the dust.
12Even though evil tastes sweet in their mouth, even if they hide it under their tongue,
13even if they savor it and don’t let it go, keeping it in their mouth;
14still, the food in their stomach turns. It becomes cobra venom inside them.
15They have swallowed down riches, but they will vomit them back up again. God will force them out of their belly.
16They will suck cobra venom, and a viper’s tongue will kill them.
17They will not enjoy seeing the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.
18He will have to give back everything he worked for, and he won't be able to keep it. He will not enjoy the wealth he gained.
19Because he has hurt and abandoned the poor, and violently taken over a house, he will not be able to rebuild it.
20He was never content, so he won't be able to hold onto anything he desired.
21He devoured everything and left nothing, so his wealth will not last.
22Even when he has plenty, trouble will overwhelm him. Everyone who is suffering will turn against him.
23Just as he is about to eat his fill, God will unleash his fierce anger on him. It will rain down on him while he eats.
24He will try to escape a weapon made of iron, but a bronze arrow will pierce him.
25He will pull the arrow out, and it will come out of his body. Yes, the shiny tip will come out of his liver. Terrors will grip him.
26Complete ruin is stored up for his treasures. An unlit fire will destroy him. It will consume everything left in his tent.
27The heavens will reveal his wrongdoing. The earth will rise up against him.
28His family's wealth will disappear. They will be swept away on the day of God's wrath.
29This is what a wicked person receives from God, the inheritance God has appointed for him.