Job 42 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do all things;     no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’     Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,     things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will […]

41 “Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook     or tie down its tongue with a rope? 2 Can you put a cord through its nose     or pierce its jaw with a hook? 3 Will it keep begging you for mercy?     Will it speak to you with gentle words? 4 Will it make an agreement with you     for you […]

40 The Lord said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?     Let him who accuses God answer him!” 3 Then Job answered the Lord: 4 “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?     I put my hand over my mouth. 5 I spoke once, but I have no answer—     twice, but I will say no more.” 6 Then the Lord spoke […]

39 “Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?     Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? 2 Do you count the months till they bear?     Do you know the time they give birth? 3 They crouch down and bring forth their young;     their labor pains are ended. 4 Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds; […]

The Lord Speaks 38 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans     with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man;     I will question you,     and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?     Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! […]

37 “At this my heart pounds     and leaps from its place. 2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,     to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven     and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4 After that comes the sound of his roar;     he thunders with his majestic voice. When […]

36 Elihu continued: 2 “Bear with me a little longer and I will show you     that there is more to be said in God’s behalf. 3 I get my knowledge from afar;     I will ascribe justice to my Maker. 4 Be assured that my words are not false;     one who has perfect knowledge is with you. 5 “God is mighty, but despises […]

35 Then Elihu said: 2 “Do you think this is just?     You say, ‘I am in the right, not God.’ 3 Yet you ask him, ‘What profit is it to me,     and what do I gain by not sinning?’ 4 “I would like to reply to you     and to your friends with you. 5 Look up at the heavens and see;     gaze […]

34 Then Elihu said: 2 “Hear my words, you wise men;     listen to me, you men of learning. 3 For the ear tests words     as the tongue tastes food. 4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right;     let us learn together what is good. 5 “Job says, ‘I am innocent,     but God denies me justice. 6 Although I am right,     I […]

33 “But now, Job, listen to my words;     pay attention to everything I say. 2 I am about to open my mouth;     my words are on the tip of my tongue. 3 My words come from an upright heart;     my lips sincerely speak what I know. 4 The Spirit of God has made me;     the breath of the Almighty gives me life. […]