Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that Job has is in your power, only do not put your hand on the man himself.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

So the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, only spare his life.”

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the [spiritually] foolish women speaks [ignorant and oblivious to God’s will]. Shall we indeed accept [only] good from God and not [also] accept adversity and disaster?” In [spite of] all this Job did not sin with [words from] his lips.

“Then I would speak [my defense] and not fear Him;
But I am not like that in myself.

“But a hollow (empty-headed) man will become intelligent and wise
[Only] when the colt of a wild donkey is born as a man.

“No doubt you are the [only wise] people [in the world],
And wisdom will die with you!

“But [only] with Him are [perfect] wisdom and might;
He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding.

“Only [O Lord,] do not do two things to me,
And then I will not hide myself from Your face:

“Abaddon (the place of destruction) and Death say,
‘We have [only] heard a report of it with our ears.’

“I cry to You for help, [Lord,] but You do not answer me;
I stand up, but You [only] gaze [indifferently] at me.

“You have become harsh and cruel to me;
With the might of Your hand You [keep me alive only to] persecute me.

“Behold, I will not make you afraid or terrified of me [for I am only mortal and not God],
Nor should any pressure from me weigh heavily upon you.

“For God speaks once,
And even twice, yet no one notices it [including you, Job].

“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds
Or the thundering of His pavilion?

“He is the first [in magnitude and power] of the works of God;
[Only] He who made him can bring near His sword [to master him].

“I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear,
But now my [spiritual] eye sees You.