18 “They are [a](A)insignificant on the surface of the water;
Their plot of land on the earth is (B)cursed.
They do not turn [b]toward the (C)vineyards.
19 Dryness and heat (D)snatch away the snow waters,
As [c](E)Sheol snatches those who have sinned.
20 A [d](F)mother will forget him;
The (G)maggot feeds sweetly until he is (H)no longer remembered.
And injustice will be broken (I)like a tree.
21 He wrongs the [e]infertile woman,
And does no good for (J)the widow.
22 But He drags off the mighty by (K)His power;
He rises, but (L)no one has assurance of life.
23 He provides them (M)with security, and they are supported;
And His (N)eyes are on their ways.
24 They are exalted a (O)little while, then they are gone;
Moreover, they are (P)brought low, and like everything they are gathered up;
Like the heads of grain they wither.
25 Now if it is not so, (Q)who can prove me a liar,
And make my speech worthless?”

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Footnotes

  1. Job 24:18 Or light; or swift
  2. Job 24:18 Lit to the path of
  3. Job 24:19 I.e., the netherworld
  4. Job 24:20 Lit womb
  5. Job 24:21 Lit infertile who does not bear

Social Injustice will Be Punished

18 “They remain only a short time on the water’s surface;
    their inheritance will be cursed in the land;
        no one will work in their vineyards.
19 As drought and heat evaporate melting snow,
    that’s what Sheol[a] does with sinners.
20 The womb will forget them.
    Maggots will find them to be a delicacy!
They won’t be remembered anymore,
    their iniquity will be cut to pieces like firewood.[b]

21 “They prey on the barren woman,
    and do no favors for widows.
22 God[c] prolongs the life of the strong by his power,
    but they get up in the morning[d] without purpose in life.
23 He gives them security and financial support,
    but he watches everything they do.
24 They’re exalted momentarily, but then they are gone;
    they are humbled,[e] just like all the others.
        They are cut down like heads of corn.
25 If this weren’t so, who can prove that I’m a liar
    by showing that there’s nothing to what I’m saying?”

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Footnotes

  1. Job 24:19 I.e. the realm of the afterlife
  2. Job 24:20 Lit. like a tree
  3. Job 24:22 Lit. He
  4. Job 24:22 The Heb. lacks in the morning
  5. Job 24:24 Or brought low