Most Popular Bible Verses in Job

Job Rank:

1

Now it happened on the day when God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them.

3

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.

5

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.

8

But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face."

9

Haven't you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11

There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.

13

It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

15

For affliction doesn't come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground;

17

that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them,

20

"See now, behemoth, which I made as well as you. He eats grass as an ox.

21

Who provides for the raven his prey, when his young ones cry to God, and wander for lack of food?

23

Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.

24

Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil."

25

and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

26

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

27

While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

28

He does great things past finding out; yes, marvelous things without number.

31

Let that day be darkness. Don't let God from above seek for it, neither let the light shine on it.

32

While he was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

35

and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

36

But now it is come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.

37

You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.

38

Behold, he goes by me, and I don't see him. He passes on also, but I don't perceive him.

39

An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt.

40

The eye of him who sees me shall see me no more. Your eyes shall be on me, but I shall not be.

41

My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

43

Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

44

Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes black the day terrify it.

45

(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.)

46

My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.

47

You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.

48

how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!

49

"Shall any teach God knowledge, since he judges those who are high?

50

"If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward him.

51

Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.

52

But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?

53

(the foreigner has not lodged in the street, but I have opened my doors to the traveler);

54

There was nothing left that he didn't devour, therefore his prosperity shall not endure.

55

If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.

56

Shall they not teach you, tell you, and utter words out of their heart?

57

Behold, he breaks down, and it can't be built again. He imprisons a man, and there can be no release.

58

You have granted me life and loving kindness. Your visitation has preserved my spirit.

59

even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

60

Isn't your piety your confidence? Isn't the integrity of your ways your hope?

61

One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

62

Behold, he snatches away. Who can hinder him? Who will ask him, 'What are you doing?'

63

"Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,

64

He shall have neither son nor grandson among his people, nor any remaining where he lived.

65

Lay your treasure in the dust, the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

66

"I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:

67

Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

69

Therefore my harp has turned to mourning, and my pipe into the voice of those who weep.

70

But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face."

73

This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him.

75

Surely then you shall lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:

76

He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

77

If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

78

If it isn't so now, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?"

79

He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools.

80

Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

81

Am I a sea, or a sea monster, that you put a guard over me?

82

As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.

83

With him is strength and wisdom. The deceived and the deceiver are his.

84

"Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

86

"Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?

87

when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?

88

if like Adam I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart,

89

so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.

92

My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.

93

In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress shall overtake him. The hand of everyone who is in misery shall come on him.

94

See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.

95

Behold, he withholds the waters, and they dry up. Again, he sends them out, and they overturn the earth.

96

Life shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.

98

Those who come after shall be astonished at his day, as those who went before were frightened.

99

He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out to light the shadow of death.

100

He leads priests away stripped, and overthrows the mighty.

101

"To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

102

"But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;

103

You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your indignation on me. Changes and warfare are with me.

104

So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of the godless man shall perish,

105

While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed.

106

Though I were righteous, yet I wouldn't answer him. I would make supplication to my judge.

107

He loosens the bond of kings. He binds their waist with a belt.

108

Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.

109

You shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.

110

"God will not withdraw his anger. The helpers of Rahab stoop under him.

112

He pours contempt on princes, and loosens the belt of the strong.

113

Let the stars of its twilight be dark. Let it look for light, but have none, neither let it see the eyelids of the morning,

114

Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.

115

before I go where I shall not return from, to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;

116

Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein.

117

"Therefore I will not keep silent. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

118

When I say, 'My bed shall comfort me. My couch shall ease my complaint;'

119

He removes the speech of those who are trusted, and takes away the understanding of the elders.

120

His pails are full of milk. The marrow of his bones is moistened.

121

Yet you hid these things in your heart. I know that this is with you:

122

For he breaks me with a storm, and multiplies my wounds without cause.

123

He shall lean on his house, but it shall not stand. He shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.

124

Aren't my days few? Cease then. Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

125

"'Why, then, have you brought me forth out of the womb? I wish I had given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me.

126

They grope in the dark without light. He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

127

He is green before the sun. His shoots go forth over his garden.

128

"Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water?

129

Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me. Though I am blameless, it shall prove me perverse.

130

He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.

131

If I had called, and he had answered me, yet I wouldn't believe that he listened to my voice.

132

Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.

133

He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes.

134

I wish that Job were tried to the end, because of his answering like wicked men.

135

How much less shall I answer him, And choose my words to argue with him?

136

Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of him who doesn't know God."

137

If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty! If of justice, 'Who,' says he, 'will summon me?'

138

"Why didn't I die from the womb? Why didn't I give up the spirit when my mother bore me?

139

Isn't it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me?

140

He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.

141

The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.

142

Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now shall I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I shall not be."

143

Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

144

because it didn't shut up the doors of my mother's womb, nor did it hide trouble from my eyes.

145

If he is destroyed from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, 'I have not seen you.'

146

If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, I still shall not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction.

147

A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.

148

His sons come to honor, and he doesn't know it. They are brought low, but he doesn't perceive it of them.

149

Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should nurse?

150

I am blameless. I don't respect myself. I despise my life.

151

But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.

152

When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn't recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky.

153

For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and shall lift up your face to God.

154

That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever!

155

He takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.

156

"Now my days are swifter than a runner. They flee away, they see no good,

157

They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope at noonday as in the night.

158

or as a hidden untimely birth I had not been, as infants who never saw light.

159

that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!

160

What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?

161

All darkness is laid up for his treasures. An unfanned fire shall devour him. It shall consume that which is left in his tent.

162

For now should I have lain down and been quiet. I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,

163

He wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

164

By the breath of God they perish. By the blast of his anger are they consumed.

165

There the wicked cease from troubling. There the weary are at rest.

166

(Which wise men have told by their fathers, and have not hidden it;

167

with kings and counselors of the earth, who built up waste places for themselves;

169

then you scare me with dreams, and terrify me through visions:

170

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

171

How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.

173

So the poor has hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.

174

Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

175

"My soul is weary of my life. I will give free course to my complaint. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

176

that the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity, That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

178

"No doubt, but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.

179

He increases the nations, and he destroys them. He enlarges the nations, and he leads them captive.

180

withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.

181

"Let the day perish in which I was born, the night which said, 'There is a boy conceived.'

182

"Why is light given to him who is in misery, life to the bitter in soul,

183

Who shall declare his way to his face? Who shall repay him what he has done?

184

the land dark as midnight, of the shadow of death, without any order, where the light is as midnight.'"

185

"Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:

186

Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me.

187

Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

188

But his flesh on him has pain, and his soul within him mourns."

189

Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

190

He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

191

Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

192

I loathe my life. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

193

so that my soul chooses strangling, death rather than my bones.

194

What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your mind on him,

195

Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

197

Then Job answered,

198

They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?

199

If you say, 'How we will persecute him!' because the root of the matter is found in me,

200

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

201

to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):

202

that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

203

I am like one who is a joke to his neighbor, I, who called on God, and he answered. The just, the blameless man is a joke.

204

At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth.

205

"Call now; is there any who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

206

For resentment kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.

207

For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:

208

though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

209

You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.

210

Yet he will be borne to the grave. Men shall keep watch over the tomb.

211

When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath on him. It will rain on him while he is eating.

212

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

213

He has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.

214

He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.

215

Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, shall no man make you ashamed?

216

Who doesn't know that in all these, the hand of Yahweh has done this,

217

"Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

218

I will tell God, 'Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.

219

I would declare to him the number of my steps. as a prince would I go near to him.

220

If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of men? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself?

221

I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble comes."

222

Job answered:

223

The small and the great are there. The servant is free from his master.

224

he runs at him with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of his bucklers;

225

Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

226

or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

227

The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

228

There the prisoners are at ease together. They don't hear the voice of the taskmaster.

229

For you say, 'My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'

230

For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.

231

For you shall be allied with the stones of the field. The animals of the field shall be at peace with you.

232

Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?

233

Doesn't the ear try words, even as the palate tastes its food?

234

I should have been as though I had not been. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.

235

You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,

236

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

237

My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;

238

If my land cries out against me, and its furrows weep together;

239

So how can you comfort me with nonsense, because in your answers there remains only falsehood?"

240

Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?

241

Behold, this is the joy of his way: out of the earth, others shall spring.

242

You shall know that your tent is in peace. You shall visit your fold, and shall miss nothing.

243

Haven't you poured me out like milk, and curdled me like cheese?

244

If he passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose him?

245

Remember, I beg you, that you have fashioned me as clay. Will you bring me into dust again?

246

The tents of robbers prosper. Those who provoke God are secure, who carry their God in their hands.

247

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

248

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.

249

How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?

250

because he has covered his face with his fatness, and gathered fat on his thighs.

251

He will still fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting.

252

But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Yes, who doesn't know such things as these?

253

They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."

254

The increase of his house shall depart. They shall rush away in the day of his wrath.

255

Who long for death, but it doesn't come; and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

256

Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.

257

He will not allow me to catch my breath, but fills me with bitterness.

258

because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and didn't go out of the door --

259

In the thought of him who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for them whose foot slips.

260

who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?

261

Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame. The tent of the wicked shall be no more."

263

Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?

264

In famine he will redeem you from death; in war, from the power of the sword.

265

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men,

266

"Behold, God will not cast away a blameless man, neither will he uphold the evildoers.

267

Although you know that I am not wicked, there is no one who can deliver out of your hand.

270

Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

271

Do you have eyes of flesh? Or do you see as man sees?

272

For my sighing comes before I eat. My groanings are poured out like water.

273

whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance.

274

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.

275

Are your days as the days of mortals, or your years as man's years,

276

that you inquire after my iniquity, and search after my sin?

277

The old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad.

278

the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

279

"Please inquire of past generations. Find out about the learning of their fathers.

281

You shall know also that your seed shall be great, Your offspring as the grass of the earth.

282

Then Job answered,

283

Then Job answered,

284

Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye shall no more see good.

285

I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

286

His roots are wrapped around the rock pile. He sees the place of stones.

287

"Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

288

fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake.

289

If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.

291

Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.

292

Look this, we have searched it, so it is. Hear it, and know it for your good."

294

The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of its judges. If not he, then who is it?

295

His children are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate. Neither is there any to deliver them,

296

so am I made to possess months of misery, wearisome nights are appointed to me.

298

God who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who has hardened himself against him, and prospered?

299

"How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?

300

For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.

301

Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

302

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

303

The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.

304

'Job speaks without knowledge. His words are without wisdom.'

305

Did I say, 'Give to me?' or, 'Offer a present for me from your substance?'

306

that you should visit him every morning, and test him every moment?

307

When I lie down, I say, 'When shall I arise, and the night be gone?' I toss and turn until the dawning of the day.

308

You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.

309

He removes the mountains, and they don't know it, when he overturns them in his anger.

310

Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?

311

In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

312

The Almighty will be your treasure, and precious silver to you.

313

As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, as a hireling who looks for his wages,

314

If your children have sinned against him, He has delivered them into the hand of their disobedience.

315

"Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

316

My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

318

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.

320

If you were pure and upright, surely now he would awaken for you, and make the habitation of your righteousness prosperous.

321

For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God."

322

"It is all the same. Therefore I say he destroys the blameless and the wicked.

323

The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.

324

He shall flee from the iron weapon. The bronze arrow shall strike him through.

325

"Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it.

326

You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your ways.

327

If the scourge kills suddenly, he will mock at the trial of the innocent.

328

They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey.

330

Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

331

How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind, as chaff that the storm carries away?

332

How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?

333

They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.

334

or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?'

335

Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

337

You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you. You shall pay your vows.

338

Is there injustice on my tongue? Can't my taste discern mischievous things?

339

Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face.

340

If he is pleased to contend with him, he can't answer him one time in a thousand.

341

But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn't sin with his lips.

342

If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye,

343

I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that you will not hold me innocent.

344

They lie all night naked without clothing, and have no covering in the cold.

346

His possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east.

347

It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.

348

Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.

349

I shall be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?

350

If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'

352

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.

353

Again it happened on the day when the God's sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh.

354

Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don't put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

355

It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

356

How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!

357

Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

358

If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.

359

"Behold, I know your thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me.

360

He doesn't believe that he shall return out of darkness. He is waited for by the sword.

361

Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.

363

For the thing which I fear comes on me, That which I am afraid of comes to me.

364

Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it.

366

"For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.

367

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die."

368

Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause."

369

"But ask the animals, now, and they shall teach you; the birds of the sky, and they shall tell you.

370

Isn't their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.'

371

Your words have supported him who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees.

372

Then came there to him all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all those who had been of his acquaintance before, and ate bread with him in his house. They comforted him, and consoled him concerning all the evil that Yahweh had brought on him. Everyone also gave him a piece of money, and everyone a ring of gold.

373

After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God,

374

They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them.

375

When they cast down, you shall say, 'be lifted up.' He will save the humble person.

376

"Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loosen the cords of Orion?

377

"Can you hunt the prey for the lioness, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

381

It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,

383

Moreover Yahweh answered Job,

384

oh that I had one to hear me! (behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); let the accuser write my indictment!

385

The heavens shall reveal his iniquity. The earth shall rise up against him.

386

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

387

"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold which they refine.

390

Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.

391

His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

392

Didn't he who made me in the womb make him? Didn't one fashion us in the womb?

393

He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.

394

"But now those who are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.

395

Have you entered the treasuries of the snow, or have you seen the treasures of the hail,

396

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him.

397

"Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook, or press down his tongue with a cord?

398

be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

399

"But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?

400

so man lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.

402

"If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

403

Yet shall the righteous hold on his way. He who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.

404

He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.

405

"Isn't a man forced to labor on earth? Aren't his days like the days of a hired hand?

406

For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?'

407

"Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

409

"Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth from the womb,

410

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

411

Then Job answered,

412

There is no umpire between us, that might lay his hand on us both.

414

if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor,

415

What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

416

But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.

417

"If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him;

418

Then Job answered,

420

He will deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven no evil shall touch you.

421

Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Everything under the heavens is mine.

423

For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.

424

"Will the wild ox be content to serve you? Or will he stay by your feeding trough?

425

But man dies, and is laid low. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?

426

"Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.

427

Then Job answered,

428

"'Your hands have framed me and fashioned me altogether, yet you destroy me.

429

"Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.

430

As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to Sheol shall come up no more.

431

Whereupon were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,

432

"Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

433

when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out streams of oil for me,

434

let briars grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

435

They tell God, 'Depart from us, for we don't want to know about your ways.

436

He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the rooms of the south.

437

"Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

438

After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth.

439

So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys.

440

If he set his heart on himself, If he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath,

441

He has described a boundary on the surface of the waters, and to the confines of light and darkness.

442

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

443

"Those who are deceased tremble, those beneath the waters and all that live in them.

444

Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?

445

You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know.

446

"But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God,

447

Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

448

Haven't you asked wayfaring men? Don't you know their evidences,

449

If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,

450

He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yes, the glittering point comes out of his liver. Terrors are on him.

451

"Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.

452

when I went forth to the city gate, when I prepared my seat in the street.

453

How much less man, who is a worm, the son of man, who is a worm!"

454

"If I have despised the cause of my male servant or of my female servant, when they contended with me;

455

"Have you commanded the morning in your days, and caused the dawn to know its place;

456

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

458

The members of his body shall be devoured. The firstborn of death shall devour his members.

460

For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, that we should come together in judgment.

462

Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;

463

Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept him, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has."

464

Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

465

He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab.

466

"The wings of the ostrich wave proudly; but are they the feathers and plumage of love?

467

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

468

that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?

470

He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.

471

"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

472

There are people who remove the landmarks. They violently take away flocks, and feed them.

474

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed;

475

Job again took up his parable, and said,

478

The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him. All men shall draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.

479

"If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find him;

480

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

481

"Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?

482

For he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor,

483

Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; and I would bind it to me as a crown.

484

"How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.

485

and said, 'Here you may come, but no further. Here your proud waves shall be stayed?'

486

They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.

487

Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself; for emptiness shall be his reward.

488

"Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, The spark of his fire shall not shine.

489

"Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me;

491

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke.

492

Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.

493

Moreover Elihu answered,

494

"Why aren't times laid up by the Almighty? Why don't those who know him see his days?

495

Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him?

496

Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, or descend together into the dust?"

497

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, the heritage appointed to him by God."

498

"Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears fawns?

499

Can you lead forth the constellations in their season? Or can you guide the Bear with her cubs?

500

They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

501

He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall he go away.

502

Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he doesn't see. He walks on the vault of the sky.'

503

"Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue,

504

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My justice was as a robe and a diadem.

505

"Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.

506

"What is the way to the dwelling of light? As for darkness, where is its place,

508

He shall be rooted out of his tent where he trusts. He shall be brought to the king of terrors.

509

"Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!

510

"Shall he who argues contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it."

511

Will you keep the old way, which wicked men have trodden,

512

He establishes the force of the wind. Yes, he measures out the waters by measure.

513

They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

514

"Dominion and fear are with him. He makes peace in his high places.

515

I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,

518

Drought and heat consume the snow waters, so does Sheol those who have sinned.

519

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to him?'

520

Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.

522

I am a brother to jackals, and a companion to ostriches.

523

"Have you given the horse might? Have you clothed his neck with a quivering mane?

524

For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

525

Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.

526

For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food.

527

Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

528

Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,

529

Brace yourself like a man, for I will question you, then you answer me!

530

"These are of those who rebel against the light. They don't know its ways, nor stay in its paths.

531

Who doesn't respect the persons of princes, nor respects the rich more than the poor; for they all are the work of his hands.

532

For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

533

For what is the hope of the godless, when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

534

"I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

536

Isn't your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

537

He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not burst under them.

539

"Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?

540

I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.

541

Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted out of the ore.

542

For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole sky.

543

It shall be accomplished before his time. His branch shall not be green.

544

You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

545

"How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out, that their calamity comes on them, that God distributes sorrows in his anger?

546

Please don't let me respect any man's person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.

547

He shall suck cobra venom. The viper's tongue shall kill him.

548

Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.

549

Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.

550

Let him take his rod away from me. Let his terror not make me afraid;

551

My skin grows black and peels from me. My bones are burned with heat.

552

All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me.

553

Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?

554

I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

555

With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.

556

if I have eaten its fruits without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life,

557

Pour out the fury of your anger. Look at everyone who is proud, and bring him low.

558

"Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.

559

Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?

560

What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.

561

Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, "I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and didn't dare show you my opinion.

562

yet you will plunge me in the ditch. My own clothes shall abhor me.

563

God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can't comprehend.

564

Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;

565

Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

566

Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish its dominion over the earth?

567

He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope he has plucked up like a tree.

568

"As God lives, who has taken away my right, the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter.

570

He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones;

571

"He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.

572

As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,

573

Far be it from me that I should justify you. Until I die I will not put away my integrity from me.

574

No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.

575

Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the mind?

576

He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

577

"Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

578

Who has cut a channel for the flood water, or the path for the thunderstorm;

579

You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?

580

"Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.

581

marked out for it my bound, set bars and doors,

582

all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to dust.

584

He puts forth his hand on the flinty rock, and he overturns the mountains by the roots.

585

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found. Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.

586

Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.

587

Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up, and makes his nest on high?

588

"Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

589

Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?

590

He is the chief of the ways of God. He who made him gives him his sword.

591

For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.

592

"However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.

593

Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?

594

For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house, and he shall not build it up.

595

Yes, he would have allured you out of distress, into a broad place, where there is no restriction. That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.

596

Behold, God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?

597

You say, 'What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?

598

"Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

599

They pluck salt herbs by the bushes. The roots of the broom are their food.

600

Behold, even the moon has no brightness, and the stars are not pure in his sight;

602

If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself.

603

"Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,

604

For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

605

then God is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.'

606

After this Job lived one hundred forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, to four generations.

607

"If my heart has been enticed to a woman, and I have laid wait at my neighbor's door,

608

Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall chase him at his heels.

609

If I have said to corruption, 'You are my father;' to the worm, 'My mother,' and 'my sister;'

610

Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'

611

Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.

612

Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?

613

If they listen and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

614

but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

615

"How have you helped him who is without power! How have you saved the arm that has no strength!

616

Don't you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,

617

My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned aside.

618

He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

619

His troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent.

620

His sneezing flashes out light. His eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

621

Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce his jaw through with a hook?

622

He sings before men, and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn't profit me.

623

His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.

624

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.

625

Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you,

626

The steps of his strength shall be shortened. His own counsel shall cast him down.

627

"Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?

628

"Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

629

That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?

630

Where then does wisdom come from? Where is the place of understanding?

631

I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.

632

You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

633

when I made clouds its garment, and wrapped it in thick darkness,

634

My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.

635

They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

636

"This is the portion of a wicked man with God, the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty.

638

Can you hold the wild ox in the furrow with his harness? Or will he till the valleys after you?

639

Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place.

640

that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and shake the wicked out of it?

641

For what is the portion from God above, and the heritage from the Almighty on high?

642

But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.

644

He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.

645

"If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him;

646

For I know that you will bring me to death, To the house appointed for all living.

648

He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.

649

Job again took up his parable, and said,

650

Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry.

651

He called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren Happuch.

652

The eye also of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, 'No eye shall see me.' He disguises his face.

653

It is changed as clay under the seal, and stands forth as a garment.

654

Then Job answered Yahweh,

655

Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

656

Elihu also continued, and said,

657

Then Job answered,

658

"Behold, God is mighty, and doesn't despise anyone. He is mighty in strength of understanding.

659

"Now I have become their song. Yes, I am a byword to them.

660

who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?'

661

There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his. Sulfur shall be scattered on his habitation.

662

Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,

663

The light shall be dark in his tent. His lamp above him shall be put out.

664

(let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity);

665

If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach;

666

His bones are like tubes of brass. His limbs are like bars of iron.

668

For the work of a man he will render to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

669

For it is a fire that consumes to destruction, and would root out all my increase.

670

"Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

671

"Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches her wings toward the south?

672

who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream,

673

He cuts out channels among the rocks. His eye sees every precious thing.

674

"Because he knew no quietness within him, he shall not save anything of that in which he delights.

675

Look at me, and be astonished. Lay your hand on your mouth.

676

We can't reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.

677

The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

678

Does the rain have a father? Or who fathers the drops of dew?

679

My breath is offensive to my wife. I am loathsome to the children of my own mother.

680

For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he wanders into its mesh.

681

know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net.

682

"Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?

683

He prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness.

684

It can't be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for its price.

685

He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.

686

He builds his house as the moth, as a booth which the watchman makes.

687

Will he delight himself in the Almighty, and call on God at all times?

688

Behold, as wild donkeys in the desert, they go forth to their work, seeking diligently for food. The wilderness yields them bread for their children.

689

Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?

690

"But he has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my face.

691

For you have hidden their heart from understanding, Therefore you shall not exalt them.

692

yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within him.

693

yet he shall perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him shall say, 'Where is he?'

694

who said to God, 'Depart from us;' and, 'What can the Almighty do for us?'

695

He shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.

696

A snare will take him by the heel. A trap will catch him.

697

Out of whose womb came the ice? The gray frost of the sky, who has given birth to it?

698

Strong scales are his pride, shut up together with a close seal.

699

Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go? Do they report to you, 'Here we are?'

700

(yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse);

702

"Now brace yourself like a man. I will question you, and you will answer me.

704

You have reproached me ten times. You aren't ashamed that you attack me.

705

He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

706

It can't be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

707

Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.

708

His breath kindles coals. A flame goes forth from his mouth.

709

His young ones also suck up blood. Where the slain are, there he is."

710

He sees everything that is high. He is king over all the sons of pride."

711

I cry to you, and you do not answer me. I stand up, and you gaze at me.

712

The murderer rises with the light. He kills the poor and needy. In the night he is like a thief.

713

From out of the populous city, men groan. The soul of the wounded cries out, yet God doesn't regard the folly.

714

When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder;

715

For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.

716

He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his belly.

717

For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

718

though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth;

719

Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,

720

He encloses the face of his throne, and spreads his cloud on it.

721

His heart is as firm as a stone, yes, firm as the lower millstone.

722

When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid. They retreat before his thrashing.

723

He doesn't withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne, he sets them forever, and they are exalted.

724

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.

725

When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man,

726

I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

727

He who denounces his friends for a prey, Even the eyes of his children shall fail.

729

"But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don't cry for help when he binds them.

730

Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.

731

You say, 'God lays up his iniquity for his children.' Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.

732

Then I said, 'I shall die in my own house, I shall number my days as the sand.

733

Can you fill his skin with barbed irons, or his head with fish spears?

734

For what does he care for his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off?

736

In all the land were no women found so beautiful as the daughters of Job. Their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.

737

He has walled up my way so that I can't pass, and has set darkness in my paths.

738

"Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than man.

739

God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

740

if his heart hasn't blessed me, if he hasn't been warmed with my sheep's fleece;

741

He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life shall see the light.'

742

For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it commended me:

743

Can his armies be counted? On whom does his light not arise?

744

His bones are full of his youth, but youth shall lie down with him in the dust.

745

Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

746

Moreover Elihu answered,

747

Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

748

There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

749

But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise man among you.

750

What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?

751

He lies under the lotus trees, in the covert of the reed, and the marsh.

752

the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

753

That path no bird of prey knows, neither has the falcon's eye seen it.

754

The east wind carries him away, and he departs. It sweeps him out of his place.

755

Then I will also admit to you that your own right hand can save you.

756

They drive away the donkey of the fatherless, and they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

757

If one attacks him with the sword, it can't prevail; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

758

Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

759

None is so fierce that he dare stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before me?

760

As often as the trumpet sounds he snorts, 'Aha!' He smells the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

761

If they are bound in fetters, and are taken in the cords of afflictions,

762

Why do you strive against him, because he doesn't give account of any of his matters?

763

For he says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth;' likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.

764

He sends it forth under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.

766

yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.

767

Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.

769

Look now, his strength is in his thighs. His force is in the muscles of his belly.

770

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did what Yahweh commanded them, and Yahweh accepted Job.

771

I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.

772

They are gaunt from lack and famine. They gnaw the dry ground, in the gloom of waste and desolation.

773

when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,

774

as I was in the ripeness of my days, when the friendship of God was in my tent,

775

Why are we counted as animals, which have become unclean in your sight?

776

They change the night into day, saying 'The light is near' in the presence of darkness.

777

My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.

778

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him, that you make your ways perfect?

779

His roots shall be dried up beneath. Above shall his branch be cut off.

780

Out of his nostrils a smoke goes, as of a boiling pot over a fire of reeds.

781

He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.

782

Whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.

783

Gold and glass can't equal it, neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

784

What then shall I do when God rises up? When he visits, what shall I answer him?

785

They make oil within the walls of these men. They tread wine presses, and suffer thirst.

786

Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight.

787

For she leaves her eggs on the earth, warms them in the dust,

788

Man sets an end to darkness, and searches out, to the furthest bound, the stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.

789

Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

791

That for which he labored he shall restore, and shall not swallow it down. According to the substance that he has gotten, he shall not rejoice.

792

"God understands its way, and he knows its place.

793

I said, 'Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'

794

or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it

795

He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

796

Don't let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.

797

As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn't I be impatient?

798

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare clothing as the clay;

799

I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth.

800

The flakes of his flesh are joined together. They are firm on him. They can't be moved.

801

A noose is hidden for him in the ground, a trap for him in the way.

802

"Remember that you magnify his work, whereof men have sung.

803

They cut their provender in the field. They glean the vineyard of the wicked.

804

I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."

805

His memory shall perish from the earth. He shall have no name in the street.

806

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

807

Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

808

Whose home I have made the wilderness, and the salt land his dwelling place?

809

"I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, nor his mighty strength, nor his goodly frame.

810

By what way is the lightning distributed, or the east wind scattered on the earth?

811

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than he.

812

Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

813

Out of his mouth go burning torches. Sparks of fire leap forth.

814

It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,

815

"If I have walked with falsehood, and my foot has hurried to deceit

816

If you are righteous, what do you give him? Or what does he receive from your hand?

817

Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,

818

Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds,

819

Will traders barter for him? Will they part him among the merchants?

820

He breaks in pieces mighty men in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.

821

if my step has turned out of the way, if my heart walked after my eyes, if any defilement has stuck to my hands,

822

His strength shall be famished. Calamity shall be ready at his side.

823

Terrors overtake him like waters. A storm steals him away in the night.

824

Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it?

825

One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

826

"By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.

827

"For has any said to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more.

828

They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone. Yes, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.

829

If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much;

830

You haven't given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.

831

They die in youth. Their life perishes among the unclean.

832

The womb shall forget him. The worm shall feed sweetly on him. He shall be no more remembered. Unrighteousness shall be broken as a tree.

833

He has also kindled his wrath against me. He counts me among his adversaries.

834

Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.

835

Surely the mountains produce food for him, where all the animals of the field play.

836

They abhor me, they stand aloof from me, and don't hesitate to spit in my face.

837

and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,

838

So that they go around naked without clothing. Being hungry, they carry the sheaves.

839

Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.

840

Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?

841

The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and the javelin.

842

He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength. He goes out to meet the armed men.

843

His children shall seek the favor of the poor. His hands shall give back his wealth.

844

The proud animals have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed by there.

845

Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won't one be cast down even at the sight of him?

846

She deals harshly with her young ones, as if they were not hers. Though her labor is in vain, she is without fear,

847

He devours the barren who don't bear. He shows no kindness to the widow.

848

So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.

849

Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth is terror.

850

Behold, if a river overflows, he doesn't tremble. He is confident, though the Jordan swells even to his mouth.

853

For that would be a heinous crime. Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges:

854

Yes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.

855

"Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's,'

856

Is it for your piety that he reproves you, that he enters with you into judgment?

857

"Men listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel.

858

because God has deprived her of wisdom, neither has he imparted to her understanding.

859

Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.

860

Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?

861

The lotuses cover him with their shade. The willows of the brook surround him.

862

Will God hear his cry when trouble comes on him?

863

For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.

864

There is strength in his neck. Terror dances before him.

865

They are joined one to another. They stick together, so that they can't be pulled apart.

866

The righteous see it, and are glad. The innocent ridicule them,

867

Teach me that which I don't see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?

868

then let my wife grind for another, and let others sleep with her.

869

Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.

870

From the wicked, their light is withheld. The high arm is broken.

871

'I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.

872

Of what use is the strength of their hands to me, men in whom ripe age has perished?

873

Sapphires come from its rocks. It has dust of gold.

874

Yet God preserves the mighty by his power. He rises up who has no assurance of life.

875

"They are foam on the surface of the waters. Their portion is cursed in the earth. They don't turn into the way of the vineyards.

876

When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

877

To cause it to rain on a land where no man is; on the wilderness, in which there is no man;

878

Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.

879

In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand.

880

They are children of fools, yes, children of base men. They were flogged out of the land.

881

But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honorable man, he lived in it.

882

if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or that the needy had no covering;

883

He eats up the ground with fierceness and rage, neither does he stand still at the sound of the trumpet.

884

Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

885

Behold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy.

886

Those who remain of him shall be buried in death. His widows shall make no lamentation.

887

Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your girls?

888

The eye which saw him shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more see him.

890

He binds the streams that they don't trickle. The thing that is hidden he brings forth to light.

891

"Now my soul is poured out within me. Days of affliction have taken hold on me.

892

If you have sinned, what effect do you have against him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?

893

Who can strip off his outer garment? Who shall come within his jaws?

894

Will you confide in him, that he will bring home your seed, and gather the grain of your threshing floor?

895

Their young ones become strong. They grow up in the open field. They go forth, and don't return again.

896

or darkness, so that you can not see, and floods of waters cover you.

897

Who says to a king, 'Vile!' or to nobles, 'Wicked!'?

898

To whom have you uttered words? Whose spirit came forth from you?

899

There they cry, but none gives answer, because of the pride of evil men.

900

He lies down rich, but he shall not do so again. He opens his eyes, and he is not.

901

Therefore men revere him. He doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."

902

Will he make many petitions to you, or will he speak soft words to you?

903

Man doesn't know its price; Neither is it found in the land of the living.

904

"Hear my words, you wise men. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

905

Upright men shall be astonished at this. The innocent shall stir up himself against the godless.

906

Yet he filled their houses with good things, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

907

What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water,

908

For calamity from God is a terror to me. Because his majesty, I can do nothing.

909

They turn the needy out of the way. The poor of the earth all hide themselves.

910

As for the earth, out of it comes bread; Underneath it is turned up as it were by fire.

911

Have you made him to leap as a locust? The glory of his snorting is awesome.

912

I broke the jaws of the unrighteous, and plucked the prey out of his teeth.

913

For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.'

914

You have turned to be cruel to me. With the might of your hand you persecute me.

916

Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?

917

He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed, neither does he turn back from the sword.

918

"Behold, God works all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man,

919

Shall even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn him who is righteous and mighty? --

920

Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity?

921

Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of the sky,

922

They waited for me as for the rain. Their mouths drank as with the spring rain.

923

For by these he judges the people. He gives food in abundance.

924

For it hurls at him, and does not spare, as he flees away from his hand.

925

to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.

926

If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. His offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

927

Shall any take him when he is on the watch, or pierce through his nose with a snare?

928

When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness.

929

He also opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.

930

then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and my arm be broken from the bone.

931

if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,

932

so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to him. He heard the cry of the afflicted.

933

Who put him in charge of the earth? or who has appointed him over the whole world?

934

For he has untied his cord, and afflicted me; and they have thrown off restraint before me.

935

On the cliff he dwells, and makes his home, on the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.

936

God gives them security, and they rest in it. His eyes are on their ways.

937

He covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.

938

The range of the mountains is his pasture, He searches after every green thing.

939

I will teach you about the hand of God. That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

940

For truly my words are not false. One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

941

That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

942

Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge."

943

Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

944

Lay your hand on him. Remember the battle, and do so no more.

945

When she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.

946

Now men don't see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.

947

For Job has said, 'I am righteous, God has taken away my right:

948

Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the birds of the sky.

949

He scorns the tumult of the city, neither does he hear the shouting of the driver.

950

"Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, That abundance of waters may cover you?

951

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

952

From there he spies out the prey. His eyes see it afar off.

953

Will you trust him, because his strength is great? Or will you leave to him your labor?

954

I go mourning without the sun. I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help.

955

Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man.

956

I chose out their way, and sat as chief. I lived as a king in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.

957

You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.'

958

On my right hand rise the rabble. They thrust aside my feet, They cast up against me their ways of destruction.

959

How much less when you say you don't see him. The cause is before him, and you wait for him!

960

On earth there is not his equal, that is made without fear.

961

The princes refrained from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

962

Notwithstanding my right I am considered a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without disobedience.'

963

In the night season my bones are pierced in me, and the pains that gnaw me take no rest.

964

He breaks open a shaft away from where people live. They are forgotten by the foot. They hang far from men, they swing back and forth.

965

But if they don't listen, they shall perish by the sword; they shall die without knowledge.

966

The waters become hard like stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen.

967

After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn't hold back anything when his voice is heard.

968

For he doesn't need to consider a man further, that he should go before God in judgment.

969

then I would speak, and not fear him, for I am not so in myself.

970

and forgets that the foot may crush them, or that the wild animal may trample them.

971

where then is my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

972

Its noise tells about him, and the livestock also concerning the storm that comes up.

973

"Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.

974

Among the bushes they bray; and under the nettles they are gathered together.

975

So that they dwell in frightful valleys, and in holes of the earth and of the rocks.

976

His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.

977

"Surely you have spoken in my hearing, I have heard the voice of your words, saying,

978

Yes, can any understand the spreading of the clouds, and the thunderings of his pavilion?

979

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

980

You lift me up to the wind, and drive me with it. You dissolve me in the storm.

981

He has cast me into the mire. I have become like dust and ashes.

982

I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn't reject the light of my face.

983

Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.

984

Have you comprehended the earth in its breadth? Declare, if you know it all.

985

Let us choose for us that which is right. Let us know among ourselves what is good.

986

My heart is troubled, and doesn't rest. Days of affliction have come on me.

987

After my words they didn't speak again. My speech fell on them.

988

There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

989

You whose clothing is warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?

990

In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They don't know the light.

991

"Bear with me a little, and I will show you; for I still have something to say on God's behalf.

992

Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men?

993

saying, 'Surely those who rose up against us are cut off. The fire has consumed the remnant of them.'

994

They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter.

995

The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

996

when the dust runs into a mass, and the clods of earth stick together?

997

I will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

998

for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

999

that the godless man may not reign, that there be no one to ensnare the people.

1000

Which the skies pour down and which drop on man abundantly.