Job 21:1-16

1Then Job replied. This is what he said:

2‘Listen carefully to the things that I am saying. You can only help me if you do that.

3Be patient with me so that I can speak. After you have heard what I say, you may choose to laugh at me.

4It is not people that I want to argue with. So I have good reason to be upset.

5When you look at me, you should be upset. You should cover your mouth with your hand.

6I think about what has happened to me. It makes me very afraid. My body shakes with fear.

7Why do wicked people continue to live for a long time? The older they become, the more power they have.

8They see their own children grow and become strong. Their children also have strong families.

9They are safe in their homes and they are not afraid. God does not punish them.

10Their cows give birth safely to many calves.

11Their children run and play. They jump like young lambs.

12They enjoy the music of tambourines and harps. They sing with joy to the sound of flutes.

13Wicked people have plenty of money through their whole lives. Even when they die, they do not suffer.

14They say to God, “Leave us alone! We do not want to know about your ways.

15We do not need to serve the Almighty God. If we pray to him, there is nothing he can do to help us.”

16They think that they have made themselves rich. But it is not true. So I do not listen to the things that wicked people say.