and exclaimed: "I left my mother's womb naked, and I will return to God naked. The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken. May the name of the LORD be blessed."

Let darkness carry that night away; let it not take its place joyfully among the days of the year; let it not be entered into the calendar.

At least I could still take comfort and rejoice in unceasing anguish, for I didn't conceal what the Holy One has to say.

Why haven't you pardoned my transgression and taken away my iniquity? Now I'm about to lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I won't be around!"

But what the wicked look for will fail; their way of escape will be taken away from them; their only hope is to take their final breath."

Why shouldn't I bite my flesh or take my life in my hands?

Now as for the one who testifies against his friends to take their property, even the eyes of his children will fail.

"As for me, I know that my Vindicator is alive; And he, the Last One, will take his stand on the soil.

"After all, you've taken collateral from your relatives for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing.

"Then you'll take delight in the Almighty; and will turn your face toward God.

If only I knew where to find him, I would visit him where he has taken his seat.

They drive away the orphan's donkey; they take the ox of the widow as security for a loan;

"The fatherless are torn from the breast; the poor are taken away as security for a loan.

For where is the hope of the godless when he is eliminated; when God takes away his life?

Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he call on God at all times?"

Iron is taken from the ground; and copper is smelted from ore.

"Now, my soul pours itself out; the time of my affliction has taken control of me.

I'll give an account for every step I've taken; I'll approach him confidently like a Commander-in-Chief."

Answer me, if you can! Present your case! Take your stand in my presence!

If he were to decide to do so, that is, to take back to himself his spirit and breath of life,

"They die suddenly, in the middle of the night; people suffer seizures and pass away; even valiant men can be taken away and not by human hands.

"Observe the heavens! Take a look around! Look! The clouds are higher than you, aren't they?

I'll take what I know to its logical conclusion and ascribe righteousness to my Creator,

Can you take it to its homeland, since you know the path to his house?

Leaping in his excitement, he takes in the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpets sound!

Now take a look at the strength that he has in his loins, and in the muscles of his abdomen.

Will he try to make a deal with you, so that you may take him in servitude forever?

Who can take me to court and be reconciled to me? All of heaven is mine.

So take seven bulls and seven rams and bring them to my servant Job. And bring a whole burnt offering for yourselves and my servant Job will pray for you. I'll encourage him by not responding as your disgraceful folly deserves, since you didn't speak about me correctly as did my servant Job."