Job 24:1–12

Why does the Almighty not reserve times for judgment?u

Why do those who know him never see his days?

2 The wicked displace boundary markers.

They steal a flock and provide pasture for it.

3 They drive away the donkeys owned by the fatherlessv

and take the widow’s ox as collateral.

4 They push the needy off the road;

the poor of the land are forced into hiding.w

5 Like wild donkeys in the wilderness,

the poor go out to their task of foraging for food;

the desert provides nourishment for their children.

6 They gather their fodder in the field

and glean the vineyards of the wicked.

7 Without clothing, they spend the night naked,

having no covering against the cold.x

8 Drenched by mountain rains,

they huddle againstA the rocks, shelterless.

9 The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast;

the nursing child of the poor is seized as collateral.B

10 Without clothing, they wander about naked.

They carry sheaves but go hungry.a

11 They crush olives in their presses;C

they tread the winepresses, but go thirsty.

12 From the city, menD groan;

the mortally wounded cry for help,

yet God pays no attention to this crime.b