Moreover, wine[a] betrays;
an arrogant man is never at rest.[b]
He enlarges his appetite like Sheol,
and like Death he is never satisfied.(A)
He gathers all the nations to himself;
he collects all the peoples for himself.

The Five Woe Oracles

Won’t all of these take up a taunt against him,
with mockery and riddles about him?
They will say:

Woe to him who amasses what is not his—
how much longer?—
and loads himself with goods taken in pledge.(B)
Won’t your creditors suddenly arise,
and those who disturb you wake up?
Then you will become spoil for them.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 2:5 DSS read wealth
  2. Habakkuk 2:5 Or man does not endure; Hb obscure

indeed, wine(A) betrays him;
    he is arrogant(B) and never at rest.
Because he is as greedy as the grave
    and like death is never satisfied,(C)
he gathers to himself all the nations
    and takes captive(D) all the peoples.

“Will not all of them taunt(E) him with ridicule and scorn, saying,

“‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods
    and makes himself wealthy by extortion!(F)
    How long must this go on?’
Will not your creditors suddenly arise?
    Will they not wake up and make you tremble?
    Then you will become their prey.(G)

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