Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 284
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IMMERSE
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POETS
I would be asleep and at rest.
I would rest with the world’s kings and prime ministers,
whose great buildings now lie in ruins.
I would rest with princes, rich in gold,
whose palaces were filled with silver.
Why wasn’t I buried like a stillborn child,
like a baby who never lives to see the light?
For in death the wicked cause no trouble,
and the weary are at rest.
Even captives are at ease in death,
with no guards to curse them.
Rich and poor are both there,
and the slave is free from his master.
“Oh, why give light to those in misery,
and life to those who are bitter?
They long for death, and it won’t come.
They search for death more eagerly than for hidden treasure.
They’re filled with joy when they finally die,
and rejoice when they find the grave.
Why is life given to those with no future,
those God has surrounded with difficulties?
I cannot eat for sighing;
my groans pour out like water.
What I always feared has happened to me.
What I dreaded has come true.
I have no peace, no quietness.
I have no rest; only trouble comes.”
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied to Job:
“Will you be patient and let me say a word?
For who could keep from speaking out?
“In the past you have encouraged many people;
you have strengthened those who were weak.
Your words have supported those who were falling;
you encouraged those with shaky knees.
But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart.
You are terrified when it touches you.
Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence?
Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?
3:14–4:6
