Bible Stories: Job (Chapter Viii) Poem by Dr John Celes

Bildad, the Shuhite then told Job,
“For how long will you speak such things?
How long will words be strong a wind?
Does God ever pervert judgment?
If your children sinned against God,
He casts them out for transgression;

‘If you would have recourse to God.
And make your supplication dear,
‘If you were pure and upright now,
He would awake and surely make
Your habitation prosperous.’

Although, your beginning was small,
Your future should flourish indeed;
Learn from former generations,
And experience of fore-fathers.

For, we are but of yesterday
Our days on earth are shadow-like!
Shall they not teach and tell you to
Utter words of wisdom from heart?

Can rushes grow without mire?
Can reeds grow without much water?
Yet, in its greenness and uncut,
It withers faster than all grass!

So end, those who forget the Lord,
And hypocrite’s hopes soon perish;
Whose hope is like gossamer thread,
Whose trust like a spider’s web.

One that relies on men can’t stand;
He holds them fast but can’t endure;
He is so green with sap in sun;
His shoots forth beyond garden.

His roots take hold from amongst rocks;
If you disturb him from his place,
It disowns saying, ‘I don’t know.’
And while he rots beside the road,
Out of the earth shall others grow.

Behold, God will not cast away
A righteous man for no reason,
Nor take away the wicked’s hand!

Once more, you will begin to laugh,
Your lips will then rejoice with God;
The ones who hate you, shame shall clothe
The wicked dwellings shall turn naught.”

Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-28-2007