At least I could still take comfort and rejoice in unceasing anguish, for I didn't conceal what the Holy One has to say.

When did I ever ask you for anything, say "Offer a bribe for me from your wealth?'

or say "Deliver me from my enemy's control,' or "Redeem me from the domination of ruthless people'?"

Indeed, if he snatches someone away, who could restrain him? Who can say to him, "What are you doing?'

So how am I to answer him, choosing what I am to say to him?

"Were I to be summoned, and he were to answer me, I wouldn't even believe that he was listening to what I have to say.

I say it's all the same he destroys both the blameless and the guilty.

If I were to say, "Let me forget my complaint,' change the expression on my face, and look cheerful,

I'll say to God, "Don't condemn me! Let me know why you are fighting me.

Zophar from Naamath had this to say:

Pay attention to what I have to say and listen to my testimony with your own ears."

and encourage you with what I have to say; my words of comfort would lessen your pain.

They have transformed night into day "The light,' they say, "is about to become dark.'

if I call out to the Pit, "You're my father!' or say to the worm, "My mother!' or "My sister!'

My wife says my breath stinks; even my children say I smell bad!

"They say to God, "Turn away from us! We have no desire to know your ways.

Job's response was to say:

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

The deepest ocean says, "It's not within me.' and the sea says, "You'll never find it with me.'

"I used to say: "I will die in my home. I'm going to live as many days as there are grains of sand on the shore.

After I spoke, they had nothing to say, when what I said hit them.

"Look! I have waited to hear your speech, so I listened to your insights while you searched for the right words to say.

because I'm filled with things to say, and my spirit within me compels me to speak.

"Now please listen to what I have to say, Job. Listen to every word!

If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, because I'd be happy to vindicate you.

But if you have nothing to say, then at least listen to me! Be quiet and learn some wisdom from me."

"Listen to what I have to say, you wise men! Pay attention to me, you educated people!

Because he says, "There's no profit for a man to find joy with God.'"

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

Can one say to a king, "You're vile!' or to nobles, "You're wicked!'?

Job has been speaking from his own ignorance, and what he has to say lacks insight!

"Be patient with me a moment longer, and I'll show you that there's more to say on God's behalf.

because what I have to say isn't deceptive, and the one who has perfect knowledge is with you."

For he says to the snow, "Fall to the earth.' He tells the rain, "Pour down,' then it rains profusely.

Tell us! What are we to say to him? Can we prepare our case to face him when our faces are in darkness?