Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 309
21:26–22:9
Job
But both are buried in the same dust,
both eaten by the same maggots.
“Look, I know what you’re thinking.
I know the schemes you plot against me.
You will tell me of rich and wicked people
whose houses have vanished because of their sins.
But ask those who have been around,
and they will tell you the truth.
Evil people are spared in times of calamity
and are allowed to escape disaster.
No one criticizes them openly
or pays them back for what they have done.
When they are carried to the grave,
an honor guard keeps watch at their tomb.
A great funeral procession goes to the cemetery.
Many pay their respects as the body is laid to rest,
and the earth gives sweet repose.
“How can your empty clichés comfort me?
All your explanations are lies!”
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
“Can a person do anything to help God?
Can even a wise person be helpful to him?
Is it any advantage to the Almighty if you are righteous?
Would it be any gain to him if you were perfect?
Is it because you’re so pious that he accuses you
and brings judgment against you?
No, it’s because of your wickedness!
There’s no limit to your sins.
“For example, you must have lent money to your friend
and demanded clothing as security.
Yes, you stripped him to the bone.
You must have refused water for the thirsty
and food for the hungry.
You probably think the land belongs to the powerful
and only the privileged have a right to it!
You must have sent widows away empty-handed
and crushed the hopes of orphans.
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