But in response, Satan asked the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing?

"Why does God give light to the sufferer or life to the bitter person:

To those who are longing for death even though it does not come? To those who search for it more than for hidden treasure?

"Indeed, since he doesn't trust his servants, since he charges his angels with error,

how much less confidence does he have in those who dwell in houses of clay; who were formed from a foundation in dust and can perish like a moth?

Their wealth perishes with them, doesn't it? They die, and do so without having wisdom, don't they?"

For wickedness doesn't crop up from dust, nor does trouble sprout out of the ground;

As a cloud fades away and vanishes, the one who descends to the afterlife doesn't return.

He doesn't return again to his house, and his place won't recognize him anymore."

Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what's right?

He leans against his house, but it won't stand; he grabs hold of it firmly, but it doesn't last.

He commands the sun so that it doesn't shine and seals up the stars.

He does great things that cannot be explained, and awesome deeds that cannot be counted.

"God doesn't restrain his anger. Rahab's assistants are humiliated under him.

Does it delight you to oppress or despise what you have made, while you smile at the plans of the wicked?

Like you, I also have understanding. I'm not inferior to you; who doesn't know things like this?"

Who among all of these doesn't know that the LORD's hand made them,

He springs up like a flower and then withers. Like a shadow, he disappears and doesn't last.

so also a person lies down and does not get up; they won't awaken until the heavens are no more, nor will they arise from their sleep."

"If his children are honored, he doesn't know it; if they become insignificant, he never perceives it.

"What is mankind, that he can be blameless? Or does being born of a woman mean he'll be in the right?

Look, if God doesn't trust his holy ones, if even the heavens aren't pure as he looks at them,

He does not believe he will escape darkness; he is destined for the sword.

crying for him to arbitrate between this man and God; as a human being does with his fellow neighbor.

"Indeed, the light of the wicked is extinguished; the flame from his fire doesn't shine.

"I call to my servant, but he doesn't respond, even though I beg to him earnestly.

"How often do the wicked have their lights put out? Does calamity ever fall on them? Will God in his anger ever apportion their destruction?

Will it please the Almighty if you are innocent, or does he profit if your life is blameless?

You've asked, "What does God know? Can he sort through pitch black darkness?'

"But he is One who can change him? He does whatever he wants to do.

Why doesn't the Almighty reserve time for judgment? And why don't those who know him perceive his days?

As drought and heat evaporate melting snow, that's what Sheol does with sinners.

Is there any limit to his armies? On whom does his light not shine?

Mankind doesn't appreciate their value; and you won't find it anywhere on earth.

"From where, then, does wisdom originate? Where does understanding live?

He watches my life, observing every one of my actions, does he not?"

Why are you arguing with him? He doesn't have to give explanations for what he does to you!

Indeed God does all these things again and again with a person

Truly, God doesn't practice wickedness, and the Almighty doesn't pervert justice.

Who isn't partial to princes? Who doesn't give preference to the nobles over the poor? Nevertheless, all of them are his handiwork.

"They cry out there, but he doesn't answer because of the arrogance of those who practice evil.

"So now, if he doesn't inflict punishment in his anger, then he doesn't keep track of your many transgressions.

"Indeed God is mighty and he doesn't show disrespect; he is mighty and strong of heart.

He doesn't let the wicked live; he grants justice to the afflicted.

"God thunders with his wondrous voice; he does awesome works that we don't comprehend.

Can you spread out the skies like he does; can you cast them as one might a mirror?

"Where is the road to where the light lives? Or where does the darkness live?

"Does the rain have a father? Who fathered the dew?

Does the eagle soar high at your command and build its nest on the highest crags?

What you see as a raging river doesn't alarm him; he is confident when the Jordan overflows.