Job 21
1 Entonces Job respondió,
Then Job made answer and said,
2 “Escucha con atención mi discurso. Que esto te sirva de consuelo.
Give attention with care to my words; and let this be your comfort.
3 Permíteme, y yo también hablaré. Después de que yo haya hablado, burlate.
Let me say what is in my mind, and after that, go on making sport of me.
4 En cuanto a mí, ¿es mi queja ante el hombre? ¿Por qué no debería estar impaciente?
As for me, is my outcry against man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled?
5 Mírame y asómbrate. Pon la mano en la boca.
Take note of me and be full of wonder, put your hand on your mouth.
6 Cuando me acuerdo, me siento turbado. El horror se apodera de mi carne.
At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.
7 “¿Por qué viven los malvados? ¿envejecer, sí, y hacerse poderoso en el poder?
Why is life given to the evil-doers? why do they become old and strong in power?
8 Su hijo está establecido con ellos ante sus ojos, su descendencia ante sus ojos.
Their children are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
9 Sus casas están a salvo del miedo, ni la vara de Dios sobre ellos.
Their houses are free from fear, and the rod of God does not come on them.
10 Sus toros se reproducen sin falta. Sus vacas paren y no abortan.
Their ox is ready at all times to give seed; their cow gives birth, without dropping her young.
11 Envían a sus pequeños como un rebaño. Sus hijos bailan.
They send out their young ones like a flock, and their children have pleasure in the dance,
12 Cantan al son de la pandereta y el arpa, y se regocijan con el sonido de la pipa.
They make songs to the instruments of music, and are glad at the sound of the pipe.
Their days come to an end without trouble, and suddenly they go down to the underworld. (Sheol h7585)
14 Le dicen a Dios: “Apártate de nosotros”, porque no queremos saber de tus costumbres.
Though they said to God, Go away from us, for we have no desire for the knowledge of your ways.
15 ¿Qué es el Todopoderoso, para que le sirvamos? ¿Qué provecho vamos a tener si le rezamos?
What is the Ruler of all, that we may give him worship? and what profit is it to us to make prayer to him?
16 He aquí que su prosperidad no está en su mano. El consejo de los malvados está lejos de mí.
Truly, is not their well-being in their power? (The purpose of the evil-doers is far from me.)
17 “Cuántas veces se apaga la lámpara de los impíos, que su calamidad venga sobre ellos, que Dios reparte penas en su ira?
How frequently is the light of the evil-doers put out, or does trouble come on them? how frequently does his wrath take them with cords?
18 Cuántas veces son como rastrojos ante el viento, como paja que se lleva la tormenta?
How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?
19 Dices: “Dios hace recaer su iniquidad sobre sus hijos”. Que se recompense a sí mismo, para que lo sepa.
You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!
20 Que sus propios ojos vean su destrucción. Que beba de la ira del Todopoderoso.
Let his eyes see his trouble, and let him be full of the wrath of the Ruler of all!
21 Pues qué le importa su casa después de él, cuando el número de sus meses se corta?
For what interest has he in his house after him, when the number of his months is ended?
22 “¿Alguien enseñará el conocimiento de Dios, ya que juzga a los que están en lo alto?
Is anyone able to give teaching to God? for he is the judge of those who are on high.
23 Uno muere con todas sus fuerzas, estando totalmente a gusto y tranquilo.
One comes to his end in complete well-being, full of peace and quiet:
24 Sus cubos están llenos de leche. La médula de sus huesos se humedece.
His buckets are full of milk, and there is no loss of strength in his bones.
25 Otro muere en la amargura del alma, y nunca sabe bien.
And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.
26 Se acuestan por igual en el polvo. El gusano los cubre.
Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.
27 “He aquí que conozco tus pensamientos, los planes con los que me equivocas.
See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;
28 Porque decís: “¿Dónde está la casa del príncipe? ¿Dónde está la tienda en la que vivían los malvados?
For you say, Where is the house of the ruler, and where is the tent of the evil-doer?
29 ¿No has preguntado a los caminantes? ¿No conoces sus evidencias?
Have you not put the question to the travellers, and do you not take note of their experience?
30 que el hombre malo está reservado para el día de la calamidad, que son llevados al día de la ira?
How the evil man goes free in the day of trouble, and has salvation in the day of wrath?
31 ¿Quién declarará su camino a la cara? ¿Quién le pagará lo que ha hecho?
Who will make his way clear to his face? and if he has done a thing, who gives him punishment for it?
32 Sin embargo, será llevado a la tumba. Los hombres vigilarán la tumba.
He is taken to his last resting-place, and keeps watch over it.
33 Los terrones del valle serán dulces para él. Todos los hombres irán detrás de él, como hubo innumerables antes de él.
The earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come after him, as there were unnumbered before him.
34 Así quecómo puedes consolarme con tonterías, porque en sus respuestas sólo queda la falsedad”.
Why then do you give me comfort with words in which there is no profit, when you see that there is nothing in your answers but deceit?
