The opening words are as usual expostulatory, but with a ring of vigour. Job sets the arguments of his friends aside and the only demand he makes now is for their attention. "_Hear diligently my speech, And let that be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; And after I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint of man? And why should I not be impatient?_" What he has said hitherto has had little effect upon them; what he is to say may have none. But he will speak; and afterwards, if Zophar finds that he can maintain his theory, why, he must keep to it and mock on. At present the speaker is in the mood of disdaining false judgment. He quite understands the conclusion come to by the friends. They have succeeded in wounding him time after time. But what presses upon his mind is the state of the world as it really is. Another impatience than of human falsehood urges him to speak. He has returned upon the riddle of life he gave Zophar to read--why the tents of robbers prosper and they that provoke God are secure (chap. xii. 6). Suppose the three let him alone for a while and consider the question largely, in its whole scope. They shall consider it, for, certainly, the robber chief may be seen here and there in full swing of success, with his children about him, gaily enjoying the fruit of sin, and as fearless as if the Almighty were his special protector. Here is something that needs clearing up. Is it not enough to make a strong man shake? "_Mark me, and be astonished, And lay the hand upon the mouth. Even while I remember I am troubled, And trembling taketh hold of my flesh-- Wherefore do the wicked live, Become old, yea, wax mighty in power? Their seed is settled with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes; Their houses are in peace, without fear, And the rod of God is not upon them.... They send forth their little ones like a flock, And their children dance; They sing to the timbrel and lute, And rejoice at the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in ease, And in a moment go down to Sheol. Yet they said to God, Depart from us, For we desire not to know Thy ways. What is Shaddai that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have if we pray unto Him?_"