Now upon a time, when the servants of God came and stood before the LORD, Satan came also among them.

"For I am sure that my redeemer liveth, and that I shall rise out of the earth in the latter day:

In the land of Uz, there was a man called Job: an innocent and virtuous man, such a one as feared God, and eschewed evil.

and said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I turn thither again. The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; now blessed be the name of the LORD."

"Where wast thou, when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell plainly if thou hast understanding.

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

When spake the LORD unto Job out of the storm, and said,

But lay thine hand upon him a little, touch once all that he hath, and, I hold, he shall curse thee to thy face."

Hast thou not preserved him, his house, and all his substance on every side? Hast thou not blessed the work of his hands? Is not his possession increased in the land?

Where wast thou, when the morning stars praised me together, and all the children of God rejoiced triumphantly?

This man had seven sons, and three daughters.

And unto man he said, 'Behold, to fear the LORD is wisdom: and to forsake evil, is understanding.'"

Now upon a certain day when his sons and daughters were eating, and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the almighty hath given me my life.

"It is not the earth that bringeth forth travail, neither cometh sorrow out of the ground;

I made a covenant with mine eyes, that I would not look upon a damsel.

there came a messenger unto Job, and said, "While the oxen were a plowing, and the asses going in the pasture beside them,

Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of divers miseries.

Lo, though he slay me, yet will I put my trust in him. But if I shew and reprove mine own ways in his sight,

"Behold Behemoth, whom I made with thee, which eateth hay as an ox:

Who provideth meat for the raven, when his young ones cry unto God, and fly about for want of meat?

With his spirit hath he garnished the heavens, and with his hand hath he wounded the rebellious serpent.

Then Job stood up, and rent his clothes, shaved his head, fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

Then said the LORD unto Satan, "Hast thou not considered my servant Job, and how that he is an innocent and virtuous man: such one as feareth God, and escheweth evil, and that there is none like him in the land?"

the Sabeans came in violently, and took them all away: yea, they have slain thy servants with the sword, and I only ran my way, to tell thee."

While he was speaking, there came yet another, and said, "Thy sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

In the mean season while he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three armies, and fell upon thy camels, which they have carried away: yea, and slain thy servants with the sword, and I only am gotten away, to tell thee."

He doth great things, such as are unsearchable, yea and wonders without number.

I have given diligent ear unto thee, and now I see thee with mine eyes.

But as for my way, he knoweth it: and tryeth me as the gold in the fire.

The same day be turned to darkness, and not regarded of God from above, neither let the light shine upon it:

And while he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, "The fire of God is fallen from heaven, it hath consumed, and burnt up all thy sheep and servants: and I only ran my way, to tell thee."

"I know that thou hast power over all things, and that there is no thought hid unto thee.

In all these things did Job not offend, nor murmured foolishly against God.

and suddenly there came a mighty great wind out of the South, and smote the four corners of the house: which fell upon thy children, so that they are dead, and I alone am gotten away, to tell thee."

But now that the plague is come upon thee, thou shrinkest away: now that it hath touched thyself, thou art faint hearted.

If thou wouldest but call me, I should obey thee: only despise not the work of thine own hands.

If he came by me, I might not look upon him: if he went his way, I should not perceive it.

A vain body exalteth himself, and man, newborn, is like a wild ass's colt.

yea, and that none other man's eye shall see me anymore.

My bone hangeth to my skin, and my flesh is away; there is left me only the skin about my teeth.

Yea, with God is wisdom and strength - it is he that hath counsel and foreknowledge.

Wherefore do I bear my flesh in my teeth, and put my soul in my hands?

but let it be stained with darkness, and the shadow of death. Let the dim cloud fall upon it, and let it be lapped in with sorrow.

For we are but of yesterday, and consider not that our days upon earth are but a very shadow.

The things that sometime I might not away withal, are now my meat for very sorrow.

Thou hast covered me with skin and flesh, and joined me together with bones and sinews.

How much more then an abominable and vile man, which drinketh wickedness like water?

Inasmuch then as God hath the highest power of all, who can teach him any knowledge?

"If thou hadst now a right heart, and liftest up thine hands toward him;

Satan answered the LORD, and said, "Skin for skin? Yea, a man will give all that ever he hath, for his life.

"For thou hast numbered all my goings, yet be not thou too extreme upon my sins.

I have not suffered a stranger to lie without, but opened my doors unto him.

He devoured so greedily that he left nothing behind; therefore his goods shall not prosper.

For if thou wilt turn to the Almighty, thou shalt stand fast, and all unrighteousness shall be far from thy dwelling:

They shall show thee, they shall tell thee, yea they will gladly confess the same.

If he break down a thing, who can set it up again? If he shut a thing, who will open it?

Thou hast granted me life, and done me good: and the diligent heed that thou tookest upon me hath preserved my spirit.

That he would begin and smite me: that he would let his hand go, and hew me down.

Where is now thy fear of God, thy steadfastness, thy patience, and the perfectness of thy ways?

One dieth now when he is mighty and at his best, rich and in prosperity;

If he be hasty to take anything away, who will make him restore it again? Who will say unto him, 'What doest thou?'

"O that I might have my desire! O that God would grant me the thing, that I long for!

He shall neither have children nor kinfolks among his people, no nor any posterity in his country:

He shall give thee a harvest, which in plenty and abundance shall exceed the dust of the earth, and the gold of Ophir like river stones.

"I will tell thee; hear me. I will show thee a thing, that I know;

"Howbeit there is no wickedness in my hands, and my prayer is clean.

Which giveth rain upon the earth, and poureth water upon all things;

my harp is turned to sorrow, and my pipe to weeping.

But lay thine hand upon him, touch him once upon the bone and flesh, and, I hold, he shall curse thee to thy face."

which doeth things, that are unsearchable, and marvelous without number.

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends! For the hand of God hath touched me.

he shall make me whole: And why? There may no hypocrite come before him.

Then said the LORD unto Satan, "Lo, there hast thou him in thy power, but spare his life."

Then mightest thou lift up thy face without shame! Then shouldest thou be sure, and have no need to fear.

nor turneth again into his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

if thou wouldst put away the wickedness which thou hast in hand, so that no ungodliness dwelt in thy house;

Is it not so? Who will then reprove me as a liar, and say that my words are nothing worth?"

He carrieth away the wise men, as it were a spoil, and bringeth the judges out of their wits.

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied of my flesh?

Am I a sea, or a whalefish, that thou keepest me so in prison?

Let the dark storm overcome that night; let it not be reckoned among the days of the year, nor counted in the months.

With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceiver and him that is deceived.

O earth, cover not my blood, and let my crying find no room.

For, as I have proved by experience, they that plow iniquity and sow wretchedness, reap the same.

"Consider, I pray thee: who ever perished being an innocent? Or, when were the godly destroyed?

living in their dens, and lurking in their couches?

"Have I kept secret my sin, and hid mine iniquity as Adam did?

which setteth up them of low degree, and sendeth prosperity to those that are in heaviness;

Then shouldest thou forget thy misery, and think no more upon it, than upon the waters that run by.

"If I did sin, thou haddest an eye unto me, and shalt not declare me innocent because of mine offense.

Thou hast sealed up mine offenses, as it were in a bag: but be merciful unto my wickedness.

Though he had plenteousness of everything, yet was he poor, and therefore he is but a wretch on every side.

Behold, now have I prepared my judgment, and know that I shall be found righteous.

Behold, if he withhold the waters, they dry up; If he let them go, they destroy the earth.

Then should the residue of thy life be as clear as the noon day, and spring forth as the morning.

As for the eyes of the ungodly, they shall be consumed, and not escape: their hope shall be misery and sorrow of mind."

young and old shall be astonished at his death.

"Look: what lieth hid in darkness, he declareth it openly! And the very shadow of death bringeth he to light!

He leadeth away the priests into captivity, and turneth the mighty upside down.

like as if one withdrew a good deed from his friend, and forsook the fear of the Almighty God?

The mountains fall away at the last, the rocks are removed out of their place;

Thou bringest fresh witnesses against me, and thy wrath increasest thou upon me; very many are the plagues that I am in.

Even so goeth it with all them that forget God: and even thus also shall the hypocrite's hope come to naught.

No: but before it be shot forth, and before it be gathered, it withereth; before any other herb.

Yea though I be righteous, yet will I not give him one word again, but meekly submit myself to my judge.

He taketh away the subjection of the people from their kings, and girdeth their loins with a bond.

give it their curse also, even those that be ready to raise vp Leviathan.

Then mightest thou have comfort, in the hope that thou hast; and sleep quietly, when thou art buried.

He is God, whose wrath no man may withstand: but the proudest of all must stoop under him.

His confidence shall be destroyed, for he trusteth in a spider's web.

He poureth out confusion upon princes, and comforteth them that have been oppressed.

Let the stars of that night be dim through darkness of it. Let it look for light, but let it see none, neither the raising up of the fair morning:

Then shouldest thou take thy rest, and no man to make thee afraid, yea many one should set much by thee.

before I go thither, from whence I shall not turn again. Namely, to that land of darkness and shadow of death:

Despised be that night, and discommended: let them that curse the day,

Therefore I will not spare my mouth, but will speak in the trouble of my spirit; in that bitterness of my mind will I talk.

When I think, 'My bed shall comfort me; I shall have some refreshing by talking to myself upon my couch,'

He taketh the verity from out of the mouth, and disappointeth the aged of their wisdom.

even when his bowels are at the fattest, and his bones full of marrow.

Though thou hidest these things in thine heart, yet am I sure that thou rememberest them all.

He troubleth me so with the tempest, and woundeth me out of measure without a cause.

He leaneth him upon his house, but he shall not stand; he holdeth him fast by it, yet shall he not endure.

Shall not my short life come so soon to an end? O hold thee from me, let me alone, that I may ease myself a little

Wherefore hast thou brought me out of my mother's womb? O that I had perished, and that no eye had seen me.

and grope in the dark without light, staggering to and fro like drunken men.

"Oftentimes, a thing doth flourish, and men think that it may abide the sunshine. It shooteth forth the branches in its garden,

May a rush be green without moisture, or may the grass grow without water?

If I will justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me; if I will put forth my self for a perfect man, he shall prove me a wicked doer.

He changeth the heart of the princes and kings of the earth, and disapointeth them; so that they go wandering out of the way,

If I had called upon him, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had heard my voice!

Hear my words, and ponder my sayings with your ears.

so that he sat upon the ground in the ashes, and scraped off the filth of his sores with a potsherd.

O father let Job be well tried, because he hath turned himself to the wicked:

How should I then answer him? Or what words should I find out against him?

Such are now the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."

If men will speak of strength, he is the strongest of all; if men will speak of righteousness, who dare be my record?

"Alas, why died I not in the birth? Why did not I perish, as soon as I came out of my mother's womb?

Am I able to help my self? Is not my strength gone from me,

Which destroyeth the devices of the subtle, so that they are not able to perform the things that they take in hand;

Consider the paths of Tema, and the ways of Sheba, wherein they have put their trust.

Why dost thou not forgive my sin? Wherefore takest thou not away my wickedness? Behold, now must I sleep in the dust: And if thou seekest me tomorrow in the morning, I shall be gone."

Then should I have some comfort: yea, I would desire him in my pain, that he should not spare, for I will not be against the words of the holy one.

because it shut not up the womb that bare me. For then should these sorrows have been hid from mine eyes.

But if it be taken out of its place, every man denieth it, saying, 'I know thee not.'

If I have done wickedly, woe is me therefore. If I have done righteously, yet dare I not lift up my head; so full am I of confusion, and see mine own misery.

A fearful sound is ever in his ears, and when it is peace yet feareth he destruction.

Whether his children come to worship or no, he cannot tell: And if they be men of low degree, he knoweth not.

Why set they me upon their knees? Why gave they me suck with their breasts?

For though I be an innocent, and my conscience clear, yea am I weary of my life.

And so he delivereth the poor from the sword, from the threatenings of the ungodly, and from the hand of the cruel;

So when they lift up their eyes afar off, they knew him not. Then they cried, and wept: then every one of them rent his clothes, and sprinkled dust upon their heads in the air.

Then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and lift up thy face unto God.

would God they were graven with an iron pen in lead or in stone.

which compasseth the wise in their own craftiness, and overthroweth the counsel of the wicked.

"My days are more swift than a runner: they are gone, and have seen no good thing.

Insomuch that they run into darkness by fair day, and grope about them at the noonday, like as in the night.

O that I utterly had no being, or were as a thing born out of time that is put aside, either as young children, which never saw the light.

Though a body might plead with God, as one man doth with another,

What power have I to endure? Or, what is mine end, that my soul might be patient?

There shall no darkness be able to hide him. An unkindled fire shall consume him; and look, what remaineth in his house, it shall be destroyed.

Then should I now have lain still; I should have slept, and been at rest,

When he goeth forth to get his living, he thinketh plainly, that the day of darkness is at hand.

With the blast of God they perish, and with the breath of his anger are they consumed away.

There, must the wicked cease from their tyranny, there such as are overlaboured be at rest.

which wise men have told, and hath not been hid from their fathers:

like as the kings and lords of the earth, which build themselves special places:

yet the number of my years are come - and I must go the way from whence I shall not turn again.

then troublest thou me with dreams - and makest me so afraid through visions

They sat them down by him also upon the ground seven days and seven nights. Neither was there any of them that spake one word unto him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

"How great are my misdeeds and sins? Let me know my transgressions and offenses.

Job answered, and said,

that the poor may have hope, and that the mouth of the oppressor may be stopped.

And the LORD said unto Satan, "From whence comest thou?" Satan answered and said, "I have gone about the land, and walked through it."

It grieveth my soul to live. Nevertheless, now will I put forth my words: I will speak out of the very heaviness of my soul,

that the wicked is kept unto the day of destruction, and that the ungodly shall be brought forth in the day of wrath.

"Among old persons there is wisdom, and among the aged is understanding.

"Then, no doubt, ye are the men alone; and wisdom shall perish with you.

He both increaseth the people and destroyeth them; He maketh them to multiply, and driveth them away.

Withdraw thine hand from me, and let not the fearful dread of thee make me afraid.

and the night in the which it was said, 'There is a man child conceived.'

"Wherefore is the light given to him that is in misery? And life unto them that have heavy hearts?

Who dare reprove him for his ways to his face? Who rewardeth him for the ungraciousness that he doth?

yea, into a land as dark as darkness itself, and into the shadow of death where is none order; but light there is as darkness."

Nevertheless, grant me two things, and then will I not hide myself from thee.

Yea, I myself shall behold him - not with other, but with these same eyes, though my reins are consumed within me.

What is he that will go to law with me? For if I hold my tongue, I shall die.

While he liveth, his flesh must have travail: And while the soul is in him, he must be in sorrow."

Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

If thou be innocent, he shall save thee: and through the unguiltiness of thine hands shalt thou be delivered."

Sorrow and carefulness make him afraid, and compass him round about, like as it where a king with his host ready to the battle.

I can see no remedy. I shall live no more. O spare me then, for my days are but vain.

that my soul wisheth rather to be strangled, and my bones to be dead.

"What is man, that thou dost magnify him? And that thou settest thy heart upon him?

And then send for me to the law, that I may answer for myself: or else, let me speak, and give thou the answer.

For though he make a wound, he giveth a medicine again: though he smite, his hand maketh whole again.

So Job answered, and said,

He is higher than heaven; what wilt thou do? Deeper than hell; how wilt thou then know him?

Did not ye say, "Why doth he suffer persecution?" Is there found an occasion against me?

Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh made of brass?

unto whom only the land was given, that no stranger should come among them.

that he might show thee out of his secret wisdom how manifold his law is! Then shouldest thou know that God had forgotten thee, because of thy sins.

Thus, he that calleth upon God, and whom God heareth, is mocked of his neighbour; the godly and innocent man is laughed to scorn.

In destruction and dearth thou shalt be merry, and shalt not be afraid for the beasts of the earth:

Name me one else, if thou can find any: yea, look about thee upon any of the holy men.

As for the foolish man, displeasure killeth him; and anger slayeth the ignorant.

For thou layest sharply to my charge, and punisheth me, for the sins of my youth.

Whereas I, notwithstanding, must consume like as a foul carrion, and as a cloth that is moth eaten.

He shall keep thee from the perilous tongue so that when trouble cometh, thou shalt not need to fear.

Yet shall he be brought to his grave, and dwell among the heap of the dead.

"For though the wicked have never so much to fill his belly, yet God shall send his wrath upon him, and cause his indignation to rain over him:

For lo, my witness is in heaven, and he that knoweth me, is above in the height.

Therefore shall his dwelling be in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabits, but are become heaps of stones.

He shall be plucked off as an untimely grape from the vine, and shall let his flower fall, as the olive doth.

Should men give ear unto thee only? Thou wilt laugh other men to scorn; and shall nobody mock thee again?

What is he, but he knoweth that the hand of the LORD made all these?

"Should not he that maketh many words, be answered? Should he that babbleth much, be commended therein?

and will say unto God: O do not condemn me; but show me the cause, wherefore thou contendest so with me.

I have told the number of my goings, and delivered them unto him as to a prince.

I have offended; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast thou made me to stand in thy way, and am so heavy a burden unto myself?

Was I not happy? Had I not quietness? Was I not in rest? And now cometh such misery upon me!"

and said, "Let the day perish, wherein I was born,

There, are small and great; the bondman, and he that is free from his master.

He runneth proudly upon him, and with a stiff neck fighteth he against him:

Wilt thou be so cruel and extreme unto a flying leaf, and follow upon dry stubble?

As the princes that have great substance of gold, and their houses full of silver.

The roaring of the lion, the voice of the lioness, and the teeth of the lion's whelps are broken.

There, are those let out free which have been in prison, so that they hear no more the voice of the oppressor.

Wilt thou say unto God, 'The thing that I take in hand is perfect, and I am clean in thy sight'?

For it is he that knoweth the vanity of men. He seeth their wickedness also; should he not then consider it?

But the castles in the land shall be confederate with thee, and the beasts of the field shall give thee peace.

That should be joy to the man whose way is hid, which God keepeth back from him.

Have not the ears pleasure in hearing, and the mouth in tasting the thing that it eateth?

If they had carried me to my grave as soon as I was born, then should I be now, as though I had never been.

Thou hast put my foot in the stocks: thou lookest narrowly unto all my paths, and markest the steps of my feet.

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Mine own brethren pass over by me, as the water brook that hastily runneth through the valleys.

But if cause be that my land cry against me, or that the furrows thereof make any complaint;

How vain, then, is the comfort that ye give me? Are not your answers clean contrary to right and truth?"

Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?

Lo, thus is it with him that rejoiceth in his own doings: and as for others, they grow out of the earth.

Yea, thou shalt know that thy dwelling place shall be in rest: thou shalt behold thy substance, and be no more punished for sin.

Hast thou not turned me, as it were milk: and turned me to cruddes like cheese?

Though he turn all things upside down, close them in, or thrust them together, who dare check him therefore?

O remember, I beseech thee, how that thou madest me of the mould of the earth, and shalt bring me into dust again.

"The houses of robbers are in wealth and prosperity; and they that maliciously meddle against God, dwell without care: yea, God giveth all things richly with his hand.

O that God would speak, and open his lips against thee,

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, nor increase upon earth.

Why goest thou not from me, nor lettest me alone, so long till I swallow down my spittle?

whereas he covereth his face with fatness, and maketh his body well liking.

Thy mouth shall be full with laughing, and thy lips with gladness.

But I have understanding as well as ye, and am no less than ye. Yea who knoweth not these things?

He conceiveth travail, he beareth mischief, and his body bringeth forth deceit."

The substance that he hath in his house, shall be taken away and perish, in the day of the LORD's wrath.

Which long for death, if it come not;

Another dieth in sorrow and heaviness, and never had good days.

He will not let my spirit be in rest, but filleth me with bitterness.

For if I had feared any great multitude of people, or if I had been despised of the simple; Oh then should I have been afraid. Thus have I quietly spent my life, and not gone out at the door.

Godliness is a light despised in the hearts of the rich, and is set for them to stumble upon.

and search for it more than for treasure. Which also would be exceedingly glad, and rejoice if they found their grave.

They that hate thee, shall be confounded, and the dwellings of the ungodly shall come to naught."

His length exceedeth the length of the earth, and his breadth the breadth of the sea.

Thinkest thou it well done, to oppress me, to cast me off - being a work of thine hands - and to maintain the counsel of the ungodly?

In the midst of hunger he saveth thee from death: and when it is war, from the power of the sword.

In the fantasies and thoughts of the visions of the night, when sleep cometh on men:

"Behold, God will not cast away a virtuous man, neither will he help the ungodly.

Whereas, notwithstanding, thou knowest that I am no wicked person, and that there is no man able to deliver me out of thine hand.

"I know it is so of a truth: for how may a man, compared unto God, be justified?

Thou shalt come to thy grave in a fair age, like as the corn sheaves are brought in to the barn in due season.

That which is unsavory, shalt it be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Hast thou fleshly eyes then, or doest thou look as a man looketh?

For my sighs come before I eat, and my roarings fall out like flowing water.

that his harvest was eaten up of the hungry; that the weaponed man had spoiled it, and that the thirsty had drunk up his riches.

For the arrows of the almighty are in me, whose indignation hath drunk up my spirit, and the terrible fears of God fight against me.

Are thy days as the days of man, and thy years as man's years,

that thou makest such inquisition for my wickedness, and searchest out my sin?

The lion perisheth, for lack of prey, and the lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

The ungodly despaireth all the days of his life, and the number of a tyrant's years is unknown.

"Enquire, I pray thee, of them that have been before thee; and search diligently among thy forefathers.

Insomuch, that wherein soever thou hadst little afore, thou shouldest now have great abundance.

Thou shalt see also, that thy seed shall increase, and that thy posterity shall be as the grass upon the earth.

Job answered, and said,

Job answered, and said, "Oh that my misery were weighed, and my punishment laid in the balances:

"O remember that my life is but a wind, and that mine eye shall no more see the pleasures thereof;

I have seen myself, when the foolish was deep rooted, that his beauty was suddenly destroyed,

and it taketh many roots: insomuch that it is like a house of stone.

Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and wherein I have erred, cause me to understand.

Fear came upon me, and dread, and made all my bones to shake.

If thou wouldest now resort unto God betimes, and make thy humble prayer to the Almighty;

my days pass over more speedily than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

But they that fear the hoarfrost, the snow shall fall upon them.

Lo, this we ourselves have proved by experience, and even this it is. Hearken thou to it also, that thou mayest take heed to thyself."

He removeth the earth out of her place, that her pillars shake withal.

As for the world, he giveth it over into the power of the wicked; and he shall cover the faces of the judges thereof. Is it not so? Where is he - or who is he - that can show the contrary?

that his children were without prosperity or health; that they were slain in the door, and no man to deliver them;

Even so have I laboured whole months long - but in vain - and many a careful night have I told.

He commandeth the sun, and it riseth not: he closeth up the stars, as it were under a signet.

He is wise of heart, and mighty in strength. Who ever prospered that took part against him?

"How long wilt thou talk of such things? How long shall thy mouth speak so proud words?

Even so are ye also come unto me: but now that ye see my misery, ye are afraid.

Doth God pervert the thing that is lawful? Or, doth the Almighty destroy the thing that is right?

Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite and said unto him,

the waters pierce through the very stones by little and little, the floods wash away the gravel and the earth. Even so destroyest thou the hope of man in like manner.

As for Job he hath neither spoken to the purpose nor wisely.

"Did I desire you to come hither? Or to give me any of your substance?

Thou visitest him early, and every day: and suddenly doest thou try him.

When I laid me down to sleep, I said, 'O when shall I rise?' Again, I longed sore for the night. Thus am I full of sorrow, till it be dark.

Thou prevailest against him, so that he passeth away; thou changes his estate, and puttest him from thee.

He translateth the mountains, before they be aware, and overthroweth them in his wrath.

Doth the wild ass roar when he hath grass? Or crieth the ox, when he hath fodder enough?

When their time cometh, they shall be destroyed and perish: and when they be set on fire, they shall be removed out of their place,

Yea, the Almighty his own self shall be thine harvest, and the heap of thy money.

For like as a bond servant desireth the shadow, and as a hireling would fain have an end of his work:

When thy sons sinned against him, did not he punish them for their wickedness?

For then should it be heavier than the sand of the sea.

My friends laugh me to scorn, but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.

My flesh is clothed with worms, filthiness and dust; my skin is withered, and crumpled together;

This is the cause, that my words are so sorrowful.

'Shall man be more just than God? Or shall man be purer than his maker?

If thou wouldest live a pure and godly life; should he not wake up unto thee immediately, and give thee the beauty of righteousness again?

yea, above his sins he hath blasphemed, which offense he hath done even before us, in that he striveth against God with his words!"

"This one thing will I say: He destroyeth both the righteous and ungodly.

for the paths that they go in are crooked: they haste after vain things, and shall perish.

so that if he flee the iron weapons, he shall be shot with the steel bow.

"And unto me came the word secretly, and mine ear hath received a little thereof.

Then, look what thou takest in hand: he shall make it to prosper with thee, and the light shall shine in thy ways.

And though he slay suddenly with the scourge, yet will he laugh at the punishment of the innocent.

They are passed away, as the ships that be good under sail, and as the Eagle that hasteth to the prey.

Behold, he hath found unfaithfulness among his own servants, and proud disobedience among his angels.

Ye fall upon the fatherless, and go about to overthrow your own friend.

Yea, they shall be even as chaff before the wind, and as dust that the storm carrieth away.

How steadfast are the words of truth! And which of you can rebuke or reprove them?

Confounded are they that put any confidence in them: For when they came to obtain the things that they looked for, they were brought to confusion.

To deliver me from the enemy's hand, or to save me from the power of the mighty?

Do ye take deliberacy to check men's sayings, and judge a poor word spoken in vain?

Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

Then shalt thou make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt keep thy promises.

whether there be any unrighteousness in my tongue, or vain words in my mouth.

Wherefore look not only upon me, but upon yourselves: whether I lie, or no.

If he will argue with him, he shall not be able to answer him unto one among a thousand.

But Job said unto her, "Thou speakest like a foolish woman. Seeing we have received prosperity at the hand of God, wherefore should we not be content with adversity also?" In all these things, did not Job sin with his lips.

Though I washed my self with snowy water, and made mine hands never so clean,

Then am I afraid of all my works, for I know thou wilt not judge me innocent.

They are the cause that so many men are naked and bare, having no clothes to cover them and keep them from cold;

Every man, no doubt, hath a mind; but it is the inspiration of the Almighty that giveth understanding.

His substance was seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she-asses, and a very great household: so that he was one of the most principal men among all them of the east country.

Now when the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, he said unto Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am displeased with thee and thy two friends, for ye have not spoken the thing that is right before me, like as my servant Job hath done.

Turn into your own selves, I pray you: be indifferent judges, and consider my guiltlessness:

If I be then a wicked doer, why have I laboured in vain?

When I am purposed to forget my complainings, to change my countenance, and to comfort myself;

"Wilt thou find out God with thy seeking? Wilt thou attain to the perfectness of the Almighty?

Who can make it clean, that cometh from an unclean thing? Nobody.

It happened also upon a time, that when the servants of God came and stood before the LORD, Satan also came among them, and stood before him.

And the LORD said unto Satan, "Lo, all that he hath, be in thy power: only upon himself see that thou lay not thine hand." Then went Satan forth from the LORD.

And it fortuned that when they had passed over the time of their banqueting round about; Job sent for them, and sanctified them, and gat up early, and offered for every one a burnt offering. For Job thought thus: "Peradventure my sons have done some offense, and have been unthankful to God in their hearts." And thus did Job everyday.

How much more then shall they that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is but earth: which shall be consumed by the moth?

And the LORD said unto Satan, "From whence comest thou?" Satan answered the LORD, and said, "I have gone about the land and walked through it."

May a dead man live again? All the days of this my pilgrimage am I looking, till my changing shall come.

"But I know what ye think; yea, and what ye imagine against me unrighteously.

He believeth never to be delivered out of darkness; the sword is always before his eyes.

And when the wind passed by before my presence it made the hairs of my flesh stand up.

and the LORD turned him unto Job, when he prayed for his friends: Yea, the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had afore.

For the thing that I feared is come upon me: and the thing that I was afraid of, is happened unto me.

They shall be destroyed from morning unto the evening: yea, they shall perish everlastingly, and no man think thereon.

"Behold, happy is the man whom God punisheth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.

"If a tree be cut down, there is some hope yet, that it will sprout and shoot forth the branches again;

Then said his wife unto him, "Dost thou yet continue in thy perfectness? Curse God, and die."

Then said the LORD unto Satan, "Hast thou not considered my servant Job, how that he is an innocent and virtuous man such one as feareth God, and escheweth evil, and that there is none like him in the land? But thou movedst me against him, to punish him: yet is it in vain, for he continueth still in his godliness."

Ask the cattle, and they shall inform thee; the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee.

Is not their dignity taken away with them? They shall die - and not in wisdom.'

Thy words have set up those that were fallen, thou hast refreshed the weak knees.

And then came there unto him all his brethren, all his sisters, with all them that had been of his acquaintance afore, and ate bread with him in his house: wondering at him, and comforting him over all the trouble that the LORD had brought upon him. Every man gave him a sheep and a Jewel of gold.

that I shall be clothed again with this skin, and see God in my flesh.

Now sleep they both alike in the earth, and the worms cover them.

For who so humbleth himself, him shall he set up: and who so looketh meekly, shall be healed.

Hast thou brought the seven stars together? Or art thou able to loose the bands of Orion?

Huntest thou the prey from the lion, or feedest thou his whelps

So went Satan forth from the LORD, and smote Job with marvelous sore boils, from the sole of the foot unto his crown;

The days of man are short, the number of his months are known only to thee. Thou hast appointed him his bounds; he cannot go beyond them.

I have not forsaken the commandment of his lips; but look, what he charged me with his mouth, that have I shut up in my heart.

He stood there, and I knew not his face. An image there was, before mine eyes, and in the stillness heard I a voice.

Satan answered, and said unto the LORD, "Doth Job fear God for naught?

Moreover, God spake unto Job, and said,

O that I had one which would hear me. Lo, this is my cause: Let the almighty give me answer, and let him that is my contrary party, sue me with libel.

The heaven shall declare his wickedness, and the earth shall take part against him.

"It is he, himself, alone. Who will turn him back? He doth as him listeth, and bringeth to pass what he will.

There are places were silver is molten, and where gold is tried;

Wherefore I give mine own self the blame, and take repentance in the dust and ashes."

but it is man, that is born unto misery, like as the sparks fly up out of the hot coals.

Behold, thou hast been a teacher of many, and hast comforted the weary hands.

And his sons went and made banquets - one day in one house, another day in another - and sent for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

He that fashioned me in my mother's womb, made he not him also? Were we not both shapen alike in our mother's bodies?

He, himself, alone, spreadeth out the heavens, and goeth upon the waves of the sea.

But now, they that are mine inferiors and younger than I, have me in derision; yea even they, whose fathers I would have thought scorn to have set with the dogs of my cattle.

Wentest thou ever into the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the secret places of the hail,

Now when Job's friends heard of all the trouble that happened to him, there came three of them, every one from his own place: namely, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they were agreed together to come, to shew their compassion on him, and to comfort him.

Darest thou draw out Leviathan with an angle, or bind his tongue with a snare?

But beware of the sword, for the sword will be avenged of wickedness. And be sure, that there is a judgment."

How cometh a man then by wisdom? Where is the place that men find understanding?

but when man sleepeth, he riseth not again, until the heaven perish: he shall not wake up nor rise out of his sleep.

"Wherefore do wicked men live in health and prosperity, come to their old age, and increase in riches?

"If we begin to commune with thee, peradventure thou wilt be discontent; but who can withhold himself from speaking?

The righteous also will keep his way, and he that hath clean hands, will ever be stronger and stronger.

He cometh up and is cut down like a flower. He flyeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one state.

Is not the life of man upon earth a very battle? Are not his days like the days of a hired servant?

For ye say, 'Where is the prince's palace? Where is the dwelling of the ungodly?

"What is he that hideth his mind with foolish words?

"Therefore reconcile thee unto God, and be content, so shall all things prosper with thee right well.

Who shut the sea with doors, when it brake forth as a child out of his mother's womb?

Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,

Job answered, and said,

Neither is there any daysman to lay his hand between us.

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all men.

Did I ever greatly regard the rising of the sun? Or, had I the going down of the moon in great reputation?

What is man, that he should be clean? What hath he, which is born of a woman, whereby he might be known to be righteous?

As for you, ye are workmasters of lies, and unprofitable physicians altogether.

Now if there be a messenger, one among a thousand sent for to speak unto man, and to show him the right way;

Job answered, and said,

My lips shall talk of no vanity, and my tongue shall speak no deceit,

He delivereth thee out of six troubles, so that in the seventh there can no harm touch thee.

"Or, who hath given me anything afore hand, that I am bound to reward him again? All things under heaven are mine.

yea, and all they which dwell beneath in the hell are not hid from him, and the very destruction itself cannot be kept out of his sight.

For when God doth once command a thing, there should no man be curious to search whether it be right.

Will the unicorn be so tame as to do the service, or to abide still by thy crib?

But as for man; when he is dead, perished and consumed away, what becometh of him?

"Behold, I am too vile a person to answer thee, therefore will I lay my hand upon my mouth.

Job answered, and said,

"Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me altogether round about. Wilt thou then destroy me suddenly?

"May a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

For if thou fasten thine eyes upon me, I come to naught like as a cloud is consumed and vanisheth away. Even so, he that goeth down to hell, cometh no more up,

Where upon stand the pillars of it? Or, who laid the corner stone?

O that thou wouldest keep me, and hide me in the hell, until thy wrath were stilled: and to appoint me a time, wherein thou mightest remember me.

When my ways ran over with butter, and when the stony rocks gave me rivers of oil;

then let thistles grow instead of my wheat, and thorns for my barley."

They say unto God, 'Go from us: we desire not the knowledge of thy ways!

"He maketh the wains of heaven; the Orion, the seven stars, and the secret places of the south.

O that my words were written, O that they were put in a book:

After this, opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day,

And the LORD made Job richer than he was before: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand asses.

To whom hath he given his heart, for to draw his spirit and breath unto him?

He hath compassed the waters with certain bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

So Eliphaz the Temanite gave answer, and said,

"The giants and worthies that are slain, and lie under the world with their companions;

Hast thou helped him to spread out the heavens, which are strong and bright as a looking glass?

For who can keep his own counsel so secret, but it shall be known? Therefore have I spoken unwisely, seeing these things are so high, and pass mine understanding.

But now will I speak of the LORD, and talk of God:

Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

Ask any man that goeth by the way, and - if ye will not regard their tokens and deeds - he shall tell you,

Though I tarry never so much, yet the grave is my house, and I must make my bed in the dark.

The arrow shall be taken forth, and go out at his back; and a glistering sword through the gall of him. Fear shall come upon him.

Lo, all this have I seen with mine eye, heard with mine ear, and understand it.

When I went through the city unto the gate, and when they set me a chair in the street;

How much more then man, that is but corruption, and the son of man, which is but a worm?"

Did I ever think scorn to do right unto my servants and maidens, when they had any matter against me?

"Hast thou given the morning his charge, as soon as thou wast born, and showed the day spring his place,

So these three men would strive no more with Job, because he held himself a righteous man.

"For I delivered the poor when he cried, and the fatherless that wanted help.

He shall eat the strength of his own skin; the firstborn of death shall eat his members.

My breath faileth, my days are shortened. I am hard at death's door.

For he that I must give answer unto, and with whom I go to law, is not a man as I am.

Behold, so great is God, that he passeth our knowledge; neither are we able to come to the experience of his years.

Behold, he doth not trust his saints; yea, the very heavens are not clean in his sight.

Therefore take seven oxen and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, offer up also for yourselves a burnt offering: and let my servant Job pray for you. Him will I accept, and not deal with you after your foolishness: in that ye have not spoken the thing which is right, like as my servant Job hath done."

O that I might see him and find him: O that I might come before his seat,

He filleth the sea with his power, and through his wisdom smiteth he the strength thereof.

"Gavest thou the fair wings unto the peacocks, or wings and feathers unto the Ostrich?

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

the praise of the ungodly hath been short, and that the joy of the hypocrites continued but the twinkling of an eye?

But how may a man compared unto God be justified? Or, how can he be clean, that is born of a woman?

He is angry at me, he hateth me, and gnasheth upon me with his teeth. Mine enemy scowleth upon me with his eyes.

"Therefore hearken unto me, ye that have understanding. Far be it from God, that he should meddle with wickedness: and far be it from the Almighty, that he should meddle with unrighteous dealing:

For some men there be, that remove other men's landmarks; that rob them of their cattle, and keep the same for their own;

For such one never sayeth, 'Where is God that made me? And that shineth upon us, that we might praise him in the night?

In dreams and visions of the night season - When slumbering cometh upon men, that they fall a sleep in their beds -

So Job proceeded and went forth in his communication, saying,

Is thine arm then like the arm of God? Maketh thy voice such a sound as his doth?

This is now a short sum of his doings. But who is able sufficiently to rehearse his works? Who can perceive and understand the thunder of his power?"

Then shall he be fain to be buried among the stones by the brookside. All men must follow him, and there are innumerable gone before him.

"For though I go before, I find him not; If I come behind, I can get no knowledge of him;

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Camest thou ever into the ground of the sea: or hast thou walked in the low corners of the deep?

He turneth the water to small drops, he driveth his clouds

Then shall I take it upon my shoulder, and as a garland about my head.

"When will ye make an end of your words? Mark well, and consider, we will speak also.

saying, 'Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shalt thou lay down thy proud and high waves.'

They spend their days in wealthiness: but suddenly, they go down to hell.

He will never apply himself to faithfulness and truth, so sore is he deceived with vanity.

Shall not the light of the ungodly be put out? Yea, the flame of his fire shall not burn.

"Oh that I were as I was in the months by past, and in the days when God preserved me;

And why? His eyes look upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

The very pillars of heaven tremble and quake at his reproof.

But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite of the kindred of Ram, was very sore displeased at Job, that he called himself just before God.

Elihu, proceeding forth in his communication, said,

Considering then that there is no time hid from the Almighty, how happeneth it, that they which know him, will not regard his days?

Will ye make an answer for God with lies, and maintain him with deceit?

All that I have, shall go down into the pit, and lie with me in the dust."

This is the portion that the wicked shall have of God, and the heritage that he may look for of the LORD."

Knowest thou the time when the wild goats bring forth their young among the stony rocks? Or layest thou wait when the hinds use to fawn?

Canst thou bring forth the morning star or the evening star at convenient times, and convey them home again?

They bear with them tabrets and harps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure.

He shall never come out of darkness, the flame shall dry up his branches, with the blast of the mouth of God shall he be taken away.

Tush, the clouds cover him that he may not see, for he dwelleth in heaven.'

When wickedness was sweet in his mouth, he hid it under his tongue.

And why? I put upon me righteousness, which covered me as a garment, and equity was my crown.

At this, my heart is astonished, and moved out of his place.

then show me where light dwelleth, and where darkness is:

"Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

All his comfort and hope shall be rooted out of his dwelling, and shall bring him unto the king of fear.

Now because that God is higher than the heavens, and because thou seest the stars are so high,

"Can he that striveth with the Almighty be at rest? Should not he which disputeth with God, give him an answer?"

"Well, thou wilt keep the old way, that all wicked men have gone:

When he weighed the winds, and measured the waters;

They send forth their children by flocks, and their sons lead the dance.

"Power and fear is with him above, that maketh peace, sitting in his highness,

I could speak as ye do also. But would God, that your soul were in my soul's stead: then should I heap up words against you, and shake my head at you.

Art thou of his counsel, when he spreadeth out the clouds? Hast thou the perfect knowledge of his wonders?

"Have I put my trust in gold? Or, have I said to the finest gold of all, 'Thou art my confidence?'

O that they, for the wickedness which they have done, were drawn to the hell, sooner than snow melteth at the heat.

What manner of fellow is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, to submit ourselves unto him?'

As for shame, thou hast set it aside - else wouldest thou not make so many words before God.

"When the poor desireth anything of me, have I denied it them? Have I caused the widow stand waiting for me in vain?

But now I am a companion of dragons, and a fellow of ostriches.

"Hast thou given the horse his strength? Or learned him to bow down his neck with fear:

Thou hast taken the pledge from thy brethren for naught, and robbed the naked of their clothing;

Gold is brought out of the North, but the praise and honour of God's fear cometh from God himself.

For like as the mouth tasteth the meats, so the ear proveth and discerneth the words.

Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God, that all wisdom is too little for thee?

Then spake the LORD unto Job out of the storm, and said,

Gird up thy loins like a man, for I will question thee, see thou give me a direct answer.

whereas they, notwithstanding, are rebellious and disobedient enemies: which seek not his light and way, nor turn again in to his path.

'Ungodly men are ye.' He hath none respect unto the persons of the lordly, and regardeth not the rich more than the poor. For they be all the work of his hands.

For the congregation of hypocrites is unfruitful, and the fire shall consume the houses of such as are greedy to receive gifts.

What hope hath the hypocrite, though he have great good, and though God give him riches after his heart's desire?

"I have oft times heard such things. Miserable givers of comfort are ye, all the sort of you.

Then his flesh, which hath been in misery and trouble, shall be as it was in his youth.

Is not thy wickedness great, and thine ungracious deeds innumerable?

He bindeth the water in his clouds, and the cloud is not broken under them.

"How long will ye vex my mind, and trouble me with words?

"Should a wise man's answer be as the science of the wind, and fill his belly with the wind of the east?

I was some time in wealth, but suddenly hath he brought me to naught. He hath taken me by the neck, he hath rent me, and set me, as it were a mark for him to shoot at.

where iron is digged out of the ground, and stones resolved to metal.

For he holdeth the ends of the world and looketh upon all that is under the heaven.

He shall perish, before his time be worn out, and his hand shall not be green.

Thou hast sent widows away empty and oppressed the poor fatherless.

"How oft shall the candle of the wicked be put out? How oft cometh their destruction upon them? Oh what sorrow shall God give them for their part in his wrath!

I will regard no manner of person, no man will I spare.

He shall suck the serpent's gall, and the adder's tongue shall slay him:

Froward men are with me, and mine eye must continue in the bitterness of them.

Go from him, that he may rest until his day come: which he looketh for, like as a hireling doth.

Let him take his rod away from me; yea, let him make me no more afraid of him,

My skin upon me is turned to black, and my bones are burnt with heat;

All such as were my most familiars, abhor me: And they whom I loved best, are turned against me.

Shall that help you, when he calleth you to reckoning? Think ye to beguile him, as a man is beguiled?

I have sewed a sackcloth upon my skin, and lie with my strength in the dust.

With us are old and aged men; yea, such as have lived longer than thy forefathers.

if I have eaten the fruits thereof unpaid for, yea if I have grieved any of the plowmen;

pour out thy indignation of thy wrath; see that thou cast down all the proud,

Nevertheless I am purposed to talk with the almighty, and my desire is to commune with God.

Wilt thou disannul my judgment? Or wilt thou condemn me, that thou thyself mayest be made righteous?

Look what ye know, that same do I know also, neither am I inferior unto you.

So that he gave answer himself, and said, "Considering that I am young, and ye be men of age, I was afraid, and durst not show forth my mind,

yet shouldest thou dip me in the mire, and mine own clothes should defile me.

when God sendeth out his voice: great things doth he, which we can not comprehend.

For he hath stretched out his hand against God, and armed himself against the Almighty.

Would God ye kept your tongue, that ye might be taken for wise men!

Knewest thou the course of heaven, that thou mayest set up the ordinance thereof upon the earth?

He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am undone: My hope hath he taken away from me, as it were a tree plucked up by the root.

"As truly as God liveth, which hath taken away my power from me; and the Almighty, that hath vexed my mind;

They spoil the sucking fatherless children, and put the poor in prison,

"He chasteneth him with sickness, and bringeth him to his bed: he layeth sore punishment upon his bones,

He hath put my brethren far away from me, and such as were of mine acquaintance, are become strangers unto me.

The floods when they be dried up, and the rivers when they be empty, are filled again through the flowing waters of the sea:

God forbid, that I should grant your cause to be right! As for me, until mine end come will I never go from my innocence.

There is nothing so worthy, or so excellent, as once to be named unto her: for perfect wisdom goeth far beyond them all.

Who giveth sure wisdom or steadfast understanding?