When the days of their feasting were finished, Job would send for them and sanctify them; he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job thought, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's customary practice.

While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, "The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants -- it has consumed them! And I -- only I alone -- escaped to tell you!"

While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I -- only I alone -- escaped to tell you!"

While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house,

In all this Job did not sin, nor did he charge God with moral impropriety.

But he replied, "You're talking like one of the godless women would do! Should we receive what is good from God, and not also receive what is evil?" In all this Job did not sin by what he said.

When Job's three friends heard about all this calamity that had happened to him, each of them came from his own country -- Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to come to show sympathy for him and to console him.

After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day he was born.

Look, we have investigated this, so it is true. Hear it, and apply it for your own good."

Indeed, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth others spring up.

"Truly, I know that this is so. But how can a human be just before God?

"But these things you have concealed in your heart; I know that this is with you:

"Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,

"Indeed, my eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.

Moreover, this will become my deliverance, for no godless person would come before him.

Upright men are appalled at this; the innocent man is troubled with the godless.

Surely such is the residence of an evil man; and this is the place of one who has not known God.'"

"This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back -- because of my feelings within me.

"Listen carefully to my words; let this be the consolation you offer me.

For, when I think about this, I am terrified and my body feels a shudder.

"Reconcile yourself with God, and be at peace with him; in this way your prosperity will be good.

"If this is not so, who can prove me a liar and reduce my words to nothing?"

If you yourselves have all seen this, Why in the world do you continue this meaningless talk?

This is the portion of the wicked man allotted by God, the inheritance that evildoers receive from the Almighty.

then this also would be iniquity to be judged, for I would have been false to God above.

Now in this, you are not right -- I answer you, for God is greater than a human being.

"If you have understanding, listen to this, hear what I have to say.

Is it your opinion that God should recompense it, because you reject this? But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

"Do you think this to be just: when you say, 'My right before God.'

And he reveals this for correction, and says that they must turn from evil.

Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction.

At this also my heart pounds and leaps from its place.

"Pay attention to this, Job! Stand still and consider the wonders God works.

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

you asked, 'Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?' But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know.

After this Job lived 140 years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation.