Job 18

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

² “How long will you hunt for words?
    Consider, and then we shall speak.
³ Why are we counted as cattle?
    Why are we stupid in your sight?^(A)
4 You who tear yourself in your anger—
    shall the earth be forsaken because of you
    or the rock be removed out of its place?^(B)

⁵ “Surely the light of the wicked is put out,
    and the flame of their fire does not shine.^(C)
6 The light is dark in their tent,
    and the lamp above them is put out.
⁷ Their strong steps are shortened,
    and their own schemes throw them down.^(D)
8 For they are thrust into a net by their own feet,
    and they walk into a pitfall.^(E)
9 A trap seizes them by the heel;
    a snare lays hold of them.^(F)
10 A rope is hid for them in the ground,
    a trap for them in the path.^(G)
11 Terrors frighten them on every side
    and chase them at their heels.^(H)
12 Their strength is consumed by hunger,^[a]
    and calamity is ready for their stumbling.^(I)
13 By disease their skin is consumed;^[b]
    the firstborn of Death consumes their limbs.
¹⁴ They are torn from the tent in which they trusted
    and are brought to the king of terrors.^(J)
15 In their tents nothing remains;
    sulfur is scattered upon their habitations.^(K)
16 Their roots dry up beneath,
    and their branches wither above.^(L)
17 Their memory perishes from the earth,
    and they have no name in the street.^(M)
18 They are thrust from light into darkness
    and driven out of the world.
¹⁹ They have no offspring or descendant among their people
    and no survivor where they used to live.^(N)
20 They of the west are appalled at their fate,
    and horror seizes those of the east.
²¹ Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly;
    such is the place of those who do not know God.”^(O)