“In what direction does light reside, and darkness, where is its place,

If I am guilty, why then weary myself in vain?

These ten times you have been reproaching me; you are not ashamed to attack me!

Such is the lot God allots the wicked, and the heritage of his appointment from God.”

“One man dies in his full vigor, completely secure and prosperous,

If you yourselves have all seen this, Why in the world do you continue this meaningless talk?

“But wisdom – where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding?

“But wisdom – where does it come from? Where is the place of understanding?

“Who is this who darkens counsel with words without knowledge?

Do you fix your eye on such a one? And do you bring me before you for judgment?

This is the portion of the wicked man allotted by God, the inheritance that evildoers receive from the Almighty.

Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction.

In what direction is lightning dispersed, or the east winds scattered over the earth?

While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

you asked, ‘Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?’ But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know.

While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants – it has consumed them! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”