When their time of feasting had concluded, Job would rise early in the morning to send for them and consecrate them to God. He would offer a burnt offering for each one, because Job thought, "Perhaps my children sinned by cursing God in their hearts." Job did this time and again.

While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "A lightning storm struck and incinerated the flock and the servants while they were eating. I alone escaped to tell you!"

While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "The Chaldeans formed three companies, raided the camels, captured the servants, and killed them with swords. Only I alone escaped to tell you."

While this messenger was still speaking, another came and announced, "Your children were celebrating in their oldest brother's house

Job neither sinned nor charged God with wrongdoing in all of this.

But he replied to her, "You're talking like foolish women do. Are we to accept what is good from God but not tragedy?" Throughout all of this, Job did not sin by what he said.

After this, Job spoke up solemnly, cursing the day he was born.

This is what Job said:

"Because that night refused to shut the doors of my mother's womb; it failed to keep me from seeing this trouble.

"Will you get offended if somebody tries to talk to you? Who can keep from speaking at a time like this?

It remained standing, but I couldn't recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice:

"Look! We have thought all this through, and what we've said is true; So please listen and learn for your own good!"

I cannot bring myself to touch them; food like this makes me sick."

For all their expectations, they are doomed to disappointment; even though they have come and searched this far.

"How long will you keep talking like this? How long will you keep talking like a wind storm?

"Indeed, this is the benefit of God's way: from the soil other plants will sprout.

This was Job's response:

"Indeed, I'm fully aware that this is so, but how can a person become right with God?

"Is this a contest of strength? He is obviously stronger! Is this a matter of justice? Who can sue him?

I will be condemned, so why should I wear myself out with this futility?

But you've hidden these things in your heart I know this was your purpose:

Zophar from Naamath had this to say:

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

"I'm a laughingstock to my friends, someone who called on God. But then he answered this upright and blameless man, and I have become a laughingstock.

I have this as my salvation: the godless person won't be appearing before him.

Indeed, have you opened your eyes on one like this to bring me into a legal fight with you?

that you turn your anger against God and speak words like this?

This will be accomplished before his time; his branches won't grow luxuriant.

"I've heard many things like this. What miserable comforters you all are!

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

My eyes have grown weak from grief; and my whole body is as thin as a shadow.

The upright are appalled over this, and the innocent person is troubled by the godless.

Indeed, the residences of the wicked are like this; and so are the homes of those who don't know God."

"Haven't you known this from ancient times, since mankind was placed on the earth?

This is what the wicked person inherits from God; it is the inheritance that God appoints for him."

"Listen carefully to my words; let this encourage all of you.

When I think about this, I'm petrified with terror and my body shudders uncontrollably."

The righteous will see this and rejoice; the innocent will insult him, saying,

If this weren't so, who can prove that I'm a liar by showing that there's nothing to what I'm saying?"

Who helped you say all of this? Who inspired you?"

"This is what a wicked person inherits from God, and what the ruthless will receive from the Almighty:

They tear up my pathways; they profit from my destruction, and they need no help to do this!

this is also a sin that deserves to be judged, since I would have tried to deceive God above."

may thorns spring up instead of wheat, and obnoxious weeds instead of barley." With this, Job's discourse with his friends is completed.

"You aren't right about this; My response is that God is greater than human beings.

Now this is Job's claim: "Even though I'm innocent, God has stopped treating me righteously.

If you have understanding, listen to this! Pay attention to what I have to say:

Be careful! Don't turn to evil, because of this you will be tried by more than affliction.

"Now I'll conclude with this: my heart is trembling violently; it feels like it's about to leap from my body!

"Pay attention to this, Job! Stand still, and consider the wondrous attributes of God.

"Who is this who keeps darkening my counsel without knowing what he's talking about?

and said, "You may come only this far and no more. Your majestic waves will stop here.'?

You asked, "Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?' Well now, I have talked about what I don't understand awesome things beyond me that I don't know.

Job lived 140 years after this, and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation.