Job 8:8-10
Job 8:8-19 The Message (MSG)
“Put the question to our ancestors, study what they learned from their ancestors. For we’re newcomers at this, with a lot to learn, and not too long to learn it. So why not let the ancients teach you, tell you what’s what, instruct you in what they knew from experience? Can mighty pine trees grow tall without soil? Can luscious tomatoes flourish without water? Blossoming flowers look beautiful before they’re cut or picked, but without soil or water they wither more quickly than grass. That’s what happens to all who forget God— all their hopes come to nothing. They hang their life from one thin thread, they hitch their fate to a spider web. One jiggle and the thread breaks, one jab and the web collapses. Or they’re like weeds springing up in the sunshine, invading the garden, Spreading everywhere, overtaking the flowers, getting a foothold even in the rocks. But when the gardener rips them out by the roots, the garden doesn’t miss them one bit. The sooner the godless are gone, the better; then good plants can grow in their place.
Job 8:8-10 King James Version (KJV)
For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, And prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, And utter words out of their heart?
Job 8:8-10 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
“Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers. For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you, And bring forth words from their minds?
Job 8:8-10 New Century Version (NCV)
“Ask old people; find out what their ancestors learned, because we were only born yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are only a shadow. Those people will teach you and tell you and speak about what they know.
Job 8:8-10 American Standard Version (ASV)
For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, And apply thyself to that which their fathers have searched out (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow); Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, And utter words out of their heart?
Job 8:8-10 New International Version (NIV)
“Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?
Job 8:8-10 New King James Version (NKJV)
“For inquire, please, of the former age, And consider the things discovered by their fathers; For we were born yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days on earth are a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you, And utter words from their heart?
Job 8:8-10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
¶“Inquire, please, of past generations, And consider and apply yourself to the things searched out by their fathers. “For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are [like] a shadow [just a breath or a vapor]. “Will they (the fathers) not teach you and tell you, And utter words from their hearts [the deepest part of their nature]?
Job 8:8-10 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old.
Job 8:8-10 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
“For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out. For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?