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Venerdi, 29 marzo 2024 - Santi Simplicio e Costantino ( Letture di oggi)

Job 21


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1Then Job said in reply:2At least listen to my words, and let that be the consolation you offer.3Bear with me while I speak; and after I have spoken, you can mock!4Is my complaint toward man? And why should I not be impatient?5Look at me and be astonished, put your hands over your mouths.6When I think of it, I am dismayed, and horror takes hold on my flesh.7Why do the wicked survive, grow old, become mighty in power?8Their progeny is secure in their sight; they see before them their kinsfolk and their offspring.9Their homes are safe and without fear, nor is the scourge of God upon them.10Their bulls gender without fail; their cows calve and do not miscarry.11These folk have infants numerous as lambs, and their children dance.12They sing to the timbrel and harp, and make merry to the sound of the flute.13They live out their days in prosperity, and tranquilly go down to the nether world.14Yet they say to God, "Depart from us, for we have no wish to learn your ways!15What is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what gain shall we have if we pray to him?"16If their happiness is not in their own hands and if the counsel of the wicked is repulsive to God,17How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does destruction come upon them, the portion he allots in his anger?18Let them be like straw before the wind, and like chaff which the storm snatches away!19May God not store up the man's misery for his children; let him requite the man himself so that he feels it,20Let his own eyes see the calamity, and the wrath of the Almighty let him drink!21For what interest has he in his family after him, when the number of his months is finished?22Can anyone teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those on high?23One dies in his full vigor, wholly at ease and content;24His figure is full and nourished, and his bones are rich in marrow.25Another dies in bitterness of soul, having never tasted happiness.26Alike they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both.27Behold, I know your thoughts, and the arguments you rehearse against me.28For you say, "Where is the house of the magnate, and where the dwelling place of the wicked?"29Have you not asked the wayfarers and do you not recognize their monuments?30Nay, the evil man is spared calamity when it comes;31Who will charge him with his conduct to his face, and for what he has done who will repay him?32and on the day he is carried to the grave33Sweet to him are the clods of the valley, and over him the funeral mound keeps watch, While all the line of mankind follows him, and the countless others who have gone before.34How then can you offer me vain comfort, while in your answers perfidy remains?