The book of Job Summary

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“The Book of Job” is a book by an anonymous author about a righteous man named Job. The central message of the book is to show that nothing happens without a reason and people must have faith in God even in the face of hardship.

‘The Book of Job’ is in the style of Hebrew poetry. It is set in a far away distant land called Uz. The book contains 42 chapters with a prologue in the opening and ends with an epilogue.

The Book of Job Summary

Chapter 1

There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. Job was a good and honest man who respected God and avoided doing anything wrong. He had seven sons and three daughters.

Job was very wealthy. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred pairs of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys. He had many servants, and he was the richest man in the entire region.

Job’s sons would hold feasts in their homes, each taking turns on different days, and they would invite their three sisters to come eat and drink with them.

After each time of feasting, Job would call his children and make them pure in God’s eyes. He got up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings for each child, thinking, “Maybe my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this regularly.

One day, God’s heavenly beings came to present themselves before Him, and Satan also came with them.

God asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan replied, “I have been roaming the earth, going back and forth.”

Then God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? There is no one like him on earth. He is a good and honest man who respects God and avoids evil.”

Satan replied, “Does Job respect God for no reason? Haven’t You protected him, his family, and everything he has? You have blessed his work, and he has become very wealthy. But if You take away all he has, he will curse You to Your face.”

God then said to Satan, “Everything he owns is now in your power, but do not harm him physically.” So Satan left God’s presence.

Later, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine at their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing nearby, when the Sabeans attacked and took them. They killed the servants with swords, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While the first messenger was still speaking, another came and said, “Fire from God fell from the sky. It burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, a third messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups, attacked the camels, and took them. They killed the servants with swords, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, a fourth messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine at their oldest brother’s house when a strong wind came from the desert. It struck the house on all sides, and it collapsed on the young people. They are dead, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave with nothing. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Through all of this, Job did not sin or blame God foolishly.

Chapter 2

Once again, God’s heavenly beings came to present themselves before Him, and Satan also came with them.

God asked Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered, “I have been roaming the earth, going back and forth.”

Then God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? There is no one like him on earth. He is a good and honest man who respects God and avoids evil. Even though you convinced Me to let him suffer without reason, he still holds onto his goodness.”

Satan replied, “A man will give anything to save his own life. But if You harm his body, he will curse You to Your face.”

So God said, “Job is in your hands; just do not kill him.”

Then Satan left God’s presence and caused Job to be covered in painful sores from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head.

Job took a broken piece of pottery to scrape his skin and sat among the ashes.

His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die.”

But Job replied, “You are speaking like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good from God and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin with his words.

When Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about his suffering, they each came from their own homes. They had agreed to visit him together to comfort him.

When they saw him from a distance, they hardly recognized him. They began to weep aloud, tore their robes, and threw dust on their heads as a sign of mourning.

They sat on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him because they saw how deep his suffering was.

Chapter 3

After this, Job finally spoke and cursed the day he was born.

He said, “Let the day I was born be erased, and let the night that announced my birth be forgotten.

Let that day be dark; let God not even notice it. Let no light shine on it.

Let that day be covered in darkness and death’s shadow; let it be lost in thick clouds and terror.

As for that night, let it be swallowed by darkness; let it never be counted as a day of the year or included in any month.

Let it be a lonely night, with no sounds of joy.

Let those who curse days curse it, those who know how to mourn deeply.

Let its morning stars remain dark; let it wait for light but never see dawn.

Because that day didn’t hide my birth or prevent my pain.

Why didn’t I die at birth? Why didn’t I die as soon as I left my mother’s womb?

Why was I even cared for, or why did I nurse at all? If I had died, I would now be lying in peace, asleep and at rest,

Alongside kings and rulers of the earth who built monuments in deserted places,

Or with princes who had wealth, filling their houses with treasures,

Or like a child who was never born, like a baby who never saw the light.

In that place, the wicked don’t trouble anyone, and the weary find rest.

Prisoners rest together there without hearing their oppressor’s voice.

The powerful and the powerless are there, and even servants are free from their masters.

Why is life given to those in misery, and light to those bitter in soul,

Who long for death but do not find it, and who search for it more than hidden treasures?

These people would rejoice and be glad to reach the grave.

Why is life given to someone whose path is hidden, whom God has fenced in?

My cries come even before I eat; my groans pour out like water.

What I feared most has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened.

I had no peace, no quiet, no rest, yet trouble still came.”

Chapter 4

Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied to Job and said:

“If we try to speak with you, will it upset you? But who can keep silent?

You’ve encouraged many people, and you’ve strengthened those who were weak.

Your words have helped those who were falling, and you have supported those with shaky knees.

But now trouble has come to you, and you are discouraged; it touches you, and you are troubled.

Isn’t this your fear, your confidence, your hope, and the integrity of your ways?

Think about it: Has anyone who was truly innocent ever perished? Have the righteous ever been destroyed?

As I see it, those who plant injustice and sow wrongdoing will reap the same.

They perish by God’s anger, and they are destroyed by His breath.

Even the roaring of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions are broken.

The old lion dies for lack of prey, and the young lions are scattered far away.

A secret message came to me; I heard only a little of it.

In deep thoughts during night visions, when people are in deep sleep, Fear came upon me, causing me to tremble, making all my bones shake.

A spirit passed in front of my face; the hair on my body stood up.

It stopped, but I couldn’t make out its form; an image was before my eyes, and in the silence, I heard a voice say,

‘Can a mortal be more just than God? Can a man be purer than his Maker?

Even God doesn’t fully trust His servants, and He finds fault even with His angels.

How much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as easily as a moth?

They are destroyed from morning to evening; they perish forever, and no one pays attention.

Doesn’t their greatness disappear? They die without wisdom.’”

Chapter 5

Eliphaz continued, saying:

“Call out now! Is there anyone who will answer you? Which of the holy ones will you turn to for help?

Anger destroys the foolish, and jealousy kills the naive.

I have seen foolish people thrive, but suddenly their homes were cursed.

Their children are far from safety and crushed at the city gate, with no one to help them.

The hungry eat up their harvest, even taking it from among thorns, and thieves take everything they have.

Trouble doesn’t come from nowhere, and suffering doesn’t just sprout from the ground.

But people are born for trouble, just as sparks fly upward.

If I were you, I would seek God and put my case before Him,

For He does great and mysterious things, too many to count.

He gives rain to the earth and waters the fields,

Raising up those who are low and bringing those who mourn to safety.

He stops the plans of the crafty so that their efforts fail.

He traps the wise in their own schemes, and the plans of the devious come to ruin.

They find themselves lost in the day, groping at noon as if it were night.

But God saves the needy from the sword, from their words, and from the powerful.

So the poor have hope, and injustice is silenced.

Look, blessed is the one whom God corrects; don’t reject the discipline of the Almighty.

For He wounds, but He also heals; He injures, but His hands bring healing.

He will rescue you from six troubles; in seven, no harm will touch you.

In times of famine, He will keep you from death, and in war, from the sword.

You will be safe from slander, and you won’t fear destruction when it comes.

At destruction and famine, you will laugh, and you will not fear wild animals.

For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the animals will be at peace with you.

You will know that your home is secure, and when you visit your dwelling, you will find nothing missing.

You will know that your children will be many, as numerous as grass on the earth.

You will go to your grave at a good old age, like a full harvest gathered in at the right time.

We have examined this, and it is true; listen to it and learn for your own good.”

Chapter 6

Job responded, saying:

“If only my grief could be fully weighed and my suffering measured on a scale!

It would be heavier than the sand of the sea, and that’s why I feel so overwhelmed.

The arrows of the Almighty have struck me, and their poison drains my spirit; God’s terrors are lined up against me.

Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass? Or does an ox bellow when it has food?

Can tasteless food be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Things I once refused to even touch now feel like the only food I have in my misery.

If only I could have my wish, and that God would grant me what I long for!

I wish that God would choose to crush me and end my life; then I could at least find comfort, even if it meant facing my sorrow without relief. I haven’t hidden my words from the Holy One.

What strength do I have left to hope? What future do I have to keep going?

Am I made of stone, or is my body made of metal?

Isn’t my help gone, and hasn’t wisdom left me completely?

Someone suffering deserves compassion from a friend, but my friends have turned from fearing the Almighty.

My friends are unreliable like a seasonal brook, disappearing like streams that dry up in the heat.

These streams turn black with ice and are hidden under snow; but when it gets warm, they vanish; when it’s hot, they disappear.

Travelers look for them, following their paths, but they find nothing and are lost.

The people of Tema and the merchants of Sheba hoped to find water there, but they arrived and were disappointed.

Now you, my friends, are no help; you see my situation and are afraid.

Did I ask you for anything? Did I ask for gifts from your wealth?

Did I ask you to save me from my enemy or to rescue me from powerful people?

Teach me, and I’ll be quiet; show me where I’ve gone wrong.

True words have power, but what good is your argument?

Are you correcting mere words, the desperate words of someone who feels like they’re blowing in the wind?

You would even take advantage of an orphan and turn against a friend.

But now, please look at me honestly; you’ll see if I’m lying.

Turn back, please, and don’t accuse me of wrongdoing; look again, for my integrity is at stake.

Is there injustice in what I’ve said? Can’t I tell right from wrong?”

Chapter 7

Job continues his lament, pondering the brevity and suffering of human life:

“Isn’t there a set time on earth for every person? Aren’t our days like those of a hired worker?

Just as a servant longs for the evening shadow and a hired worker looks forward to his pay, I too have been given months of futility, and nights filled with misery have been assigned to me.

When I lie down, I ask, ‘When will the night be over?’ I toss and turn until dawn.

My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festers.

My days pass more swiftly than a weaver’s shuttle, spent with no hope in sight.

Remember, O God, that my life is fleeting as the wind; my eyes will never see happiness again.

The eyes that have seen me will see me no more; You’ll look for me, but I’ll be gone.

Just as a cloud fades and vanishes, so those who descend to the grave never return; they won’t come back to their house, and their place will remember them no more.

So I won’t hold back my words; I’ll speak from the anguish of my spirit, I’ll express my bitterness.

Am I a raging sea, or some monster of the deep, that You should set a guard over me?

When I think, ‘My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my pain,’ then You scare me with dreams, terrify me with visions.

So I would rather choose strangling and death over this life of mine.

I hate my life; I don’t want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are empty.

What is mankind that You make so much of us, that You give us so much attention, that You examine us every morning and test us every moment?

How long will You look away from me? Will You not leave me alone long enough to swallow my own spit?

If I have sinned, what harm have I done to You, O watcher of humanity? Why have You made me Your target, so that I’m a burden to myself?

Why won’t You forgive my transgression and take away my iniquity? Soon I’ll lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I’ll be no more.”

In this passage, Job’s anguish and frustration reach new heights. He feels crushed under the weight of divine scrutiny, as though God is punishing him relentlessly. Job is tormented by his physical afflictions and sees his days as empty, rushing past without hope. His profound sense of being both insignificant and yet unbearably exposed to God’s gaze underscores his existential crisis. Job’s cry is one of a man on the edge of despair, grappling with the meaning and apparent futility of his existence.

Chapter 8

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:

“How long will you keep saying these things? How long will your words be like a strong wind? Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty distort what is right? If your children sinned against him, he let them face the consequences of their sin. But if you would seek God sincerely and plead with the Almighty, if you were pure and upright, surely he would act on your behalf and restore your rightful place.

Though you started out with little, your future would be greatly blessed.

Ask the former generations and learn from their ancestors. For we were born only yesterday and know nothing, our days on earth are just a shadow. Won’t they teach you and tell you and speak from their hearts?

Can papyrus grow tall without a marsh? Can reeds grow without water? While they are still green, uncut, they wither faster than other plants. That’s how it is with all who forget God; the hope of the godless dies. Their confidence is fragile, like a spider’s web.

They lean on their house, but it doesn’t hold; they cling to it, but it doesn’t last. They are like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its branches over the garden. Its roots wrap around rocks, finding a home among the stones. But when it’s uprooted from its place, that place says, ‘I never saw you.’

This is the fate of those who thrive without God; others will grow from the soil where they once stood.

Surely, God does not reject a blameless person or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Those who hate you will be covered in shame, and the home of the wicked will vanish.”

Chapter 9

Then Job replied:

I know this is true, but how can a person be righteous before God? If someone wanted to argue with Him, they couldn’t answer one question in a thousand.

He is wise and strong; who has challenged Him and succeeded? He moves mountains without them even knowing and overturns them in His anger.

He shakes the earth from its place, making its foundations tremble. He commands the sun not to rise and keeps the stars hidden. He alone stretches out the heavens and walks on the waves of the sea.

He made the stars—Arcturus, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the constellations of the south. He does great and unsearchable things, wonders beyond counting.

He passes by me, but I don’t see Him; He moves on, but I can’t perceive Him. If He takes something away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask, “What are you doing?”

God does not hold back His anger, and even the proud must bow before Him. How, then, could I respond to Him or choose the right words to argue with Him? Even if I were innocent, I wouldn’t be able to answer—I’d have to plead with my Judge for mercy.

Even if I called and He answered, I wouldn’t believe He was really listening to me. He crushes me with a storm and adds wound upon wound without any cause.

He won’t let me catch my breath but fills me with bitterness. If it’s a matter of strength, He is mighty. And if it’s about justice, who can set a time for me to plead my case?

If I try to justify myself, my own words condemn me. Even if I said I was blameless, my own mouth would prove me wrong.

Though I may be blameless, I no longer know myself; I despise my life.

It all seems the same; that’s why I say: God destroys both the innocent and the wicked. When disaster strikes suddenly, He seems to laugh at the suffering of the innocent.

The earth is in the hands of the wicked, and He blinds the eyes of its judges. If it’s not Him, then who is it?

My days pass faster than a runner; they fly by without any joy. They slip away like swift boats, like an eagle diving for its prey.

If I say I’ll forget my complaint, stop my sadness, and find comfort, I still dread all my sufferings because I know You won’t declare me innocent.

Since I’m condemned, why should I struggle in vain? Even if I wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands perfectly, You would still throw me into the mud, and even my clothes would loathe me.

God is not a mere man like me, that I could answer Him, that we could go to court together. There’s no one to mediate between us, to lay his hand on both of us.

If only He would take away His rod from me and stop terrifying me, then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I cannot.

Chapter 10

My soul is tired of life. I will let out my complaint and speak from the bitterness within me.

I will say to God, “Don’t condemn me. Show me why you’re against me.

Is it good for you to oppress me, to despise the work of your own hands, and smile on the plans of the wicked? Do you have human eyes? Do you see things the way people do? Are your days as short as a human’s? Is that why you search out my faults and hunt for my sins, even though you know I’m not wicked and no one can rescue me from you?

Your hands created and shaped me, and yet now you destroy me. Remember, please, that you made me like clay; will you turn me back into dust? Didn’t you form me like milk curdling into cheese? You covered me with skin and flesh and strengthened me with bones and muscles.

You gave me life and kindness, and your care has sustained my spirit.

But these things were hidden in your heart; I know this is part of your plan.

If I sin, you keep track of it, and you won’t clear me of my guilt. If I’m guilty, then woe to me. If I’m innocent, I still can’t lift my head. I’m full of shame and misery—please, see my suffering.

For it only grows worse. You hunt me like a fierce lion, showing your power over me again and again.

You bring fresh witnesses against me and increase your anger toward me; wave after wave comes against me.

Why did you even let me be born? I wish I had died unseen, like I’d never existed, carried straight from the womb to the grave.

Aren’t my days short? Leave me alone, let me have a little comfort before I go to a place I’ll never return from—a land of darkness and the shadow of death; a land so dark it’s like deep night, without order, where even light is like darkness.”

Chapter 11

Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:

“Shouldn’t someone answer all these words? Should a talkative man be justified just because he says a lot? Should your lies make people stay silent? When you mock, should no one make you ashamed? You’ve said, ‘My teaching is pure, and I am innocent in your eyes.’

But oh, that God would speak and open His lips against you! If only He would show you the secrets of wisdom, which are deeper than you know! Realize that God is giving you less punishment than your sins deserve.

Can you search and fully understand God? Can you grasp the Almighty completely? His wisdom is higher than the heavens—what can you do? It’s deeper than the grave—what can you understand? It’s longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

If He chooses to act, cut off, or gather people, who can stop Him? He knows empty, foolish people and sees wickedness; won’t He take notice? Empty people may try to seem wise, but they’re like wild donkeys by nature.

If you prepare your heart and reach out to God; if you remove sin from your hands and don’t let wickedness live in your home, then you will be able to lift your face without shame; you’ll stand firm and not be afraid. You’ll forget your troubles, remembering them like water that has flowed away. Your life will be brighter than noonday, shining like the morning.

You’ll be secure because you have hope; you’ll look around and rest in safety. You’ll lie down, and no one will frighten you; many people will seek your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail; they won’t find escape, and their only hope will be to die.”

Chapter 12

And Job replied:

“Sure, you must be the only wise people, and when you die, all wisdom will die with you.

But I have understanding, too; I’m not inferior to you. Who doesn’t know these things you’re saying? I am a man who called on God and got an answer, yet I’m mocked by my friends. A righteous and innocent man is laughed at.

People who are comfortable look down on those who are struggling, like someone despising a flickering lamp when they’re in the light.

Meanwhile, robbers live in peace, and those who provoke God are secure; they have everything in their hands.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you.

Who among all these doesn’t know that the Lord’s hand has done this? His hand holds the life of every living thing and the breath of all humankind.

Don’t our ears test words like our mouths taste food? Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding comes with long life.

With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding.

If he tears something down, it can’t be rebuilt; if he imprisons someone, no one can release them.

If he withholds water, the land dries up; if he sends it, it floods the earth.

Strength and wisdom belong to him; both the deceived and the deceiver are under his control.

He makes counselors foolish and judges act like fools.

He removes the power of kings and ties a belt of weakness around them.

He leads priests away defeated and brings down the powerful.

He silences trusted advisors and takes away the wisdom of the elders.

He pours contempt on princes and weakens the mighty.

He reveals deep things out of darkness and brings to light even the shadow of death.

He makes nations grow and then destroys them; he expands nations and then brings them down.

He takes away the sense of the leaders of the earth, making them wander through a trackless wilderness.

They grope in the dark without light, and he makes them stagger like drunkards.”

Chapter 13

And Job continued:

“I’ve seen and heard all of this. I understand as well as you do. But I want to speak to God Himself; I want to make my case to Him.

As for you, you’re spreading lies. You’re like useless doctors. If only you’d keep silent—that would actually be wise! Now listen to my argument and pay attention to what I say.

Are you going to lie on God’s behalf? Are you going to defend Him with dishonest words? Will you show Him favoritism or argue for Him? What will happen if He examines you? Do you think you can fool Him as you might fool a man? He would surely rebuke you if you were secretly showing partiality.

Wouldn’t His greatness frighten you? Wouldn’t His power fill you with dread? Your words are like ashes; your defenses are as weak as clay.

Be silent, let me speak, no matter what happens to me. Why should I keep quiet and risk my life? Even if He kills me, I will still trust in Him; but I will defend my ways to His face. He will be my salvation, because no hypocrite would dare approach Him.

Listen carefully to my words; pay attention to what I’m saying. I have prepared my case, and I know I’ll be vindicated. Who is going to argue against me? If I stay silent, I might as well be dead.

Just don’t do these two things to me, God, and then I won’t hide from You: Withdraw Your hand from me, and don’t terrify me with Your greatness. Then You call, and I’ll answer; or let me speak, and You reply.

How many sins have I committed? Show me what I’ve done wrong. Why do You hide Your face and treat me like an enemy? Would You chase a windblown leaf or pursue dry straw? You write bitter accusations against me and make me suffer for the sins of my youth.

You keep my feet in chains, watch my every step, and mark out where I walk. Like something rotten, I am wasting away, like a moth-eaten garment.”

Chapter 14

“A man born of a woman has only a short life, and it’s full of trouble. He blooms like a flower and then is cut down; he vanishes like a shadow and doesn’t stay. So why do You even pay attention to someone like this, bringing him into judgment with You? Who can make something pure from what is impure? No one.

Since a man’s days are already determined, and You know the number of his months, setting limits he can’t go beyond, give him a break so he can find rest, like a hired worker finishing his day.

Even a tree has hope: if it’s cut down, it can sprout again, and its new shoots won’t stop growing. Even if its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, at the scent of water it will bud and grow branches like a new plant. But when a man dies and wastes away, where is he? Just as water evaporates from the sea, or a river dries up, so a man lies down and doesn’t rise again. He won’t wake up or be raised until the heavens are gone.

Oh, that You would hide me in the grave and keep me out of sight until Your anger has passed, that You would set a time to remember me. If a person dies, will he live again? I’ll wait all the days of my struggle until my change comes. You would call, and I’d answer; You would long for the work of Your hands.

But now You count every step I take; don’t You keep track of my sin? My offenses are sealed up in a bag; You’ve sewn up my wrongdoing.

Mountains crumble and disappear, rocks are moved from their place. Water wears down stones, and You wash away the soil from the earth; in the same way, You destroy a man’s hope. You overpower him forever, and he passes away; You change his appearance and send him off.

If his children are honored, he doesn’t know it; if they’re brought low, he doesn’t see it. He only feels the pain of his own body, and his soul mourns within him.”

Chapter 15

Eliphaz responds:

“Should a wise man speak empty words or fill himself with useless ideas? Should he argue with meaningless words or give speeches that accomplish nothing? You disregard respect for God and hold back from praying.

Your words reveal your guilt; you choose a crafty way of speaking. It’s your own words that condemn you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.

Were you the first person ever born? Were you created before the hills? Have you heard God’s secrets and do you alone hold all wisdom? What do you know that we don’t? What understanding do you have that isn’t already known? We have the wisdom of the elderly, even those much older than your father.

Are God’s comforts too small for you? Do you know some secret that we don’t? Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash with anger? Why do you turn against God and let such words come out of your mouth? What is man that he could be pure? Can anyone born of a woman be truly righteous? Even His holy ones don’t have His full trust, and even the heavens aren’t pure in His eyes.

How much worse, then, is man, who drinks sin like water? Listen to me, and I’ll tell you what I’ve seen, what wise men have learned from their ancestors, teachings kept among their own people.

The wicked suffer all their lives, and their future is uncertain. They constantly hear threats; even in prosperity, a destroyer will come upon them. They don’t believe they’ll escape the darkness, and they live in dread of the sword. They wander, looking for food, asking, ‘Where is it?’ They know their day of darkness is near. Fear and anguish terrify them, overwhelming them like an advancing king.

They stretch out their hands against God, challenging the Almighty. They charge at Him with arrogance, like soldiers with thick shields. They’re fat and complacent, living in deserted cities and abandoned houses that will soon be in ruins.

They won’t remain rich; their wealth won’t last or endure on the earth. They won’t escape the darkness; flames will destroy them, and they’ll be blown away by God’s breath. Let no one who trusts in vanity be deceived, for they’ll receive only emptiness in return.

Their lives will be cut short, and they’ll bear no lasting fruit. They’ll lose what they’ve started, just like a vine drops its unripe grapes or an olive tree its blossoms. The group of hypocrites will be barren, and fire will destroy the homes of those who take bribes.

They conceive trouble, give birth to falsehood, and prepare deceit.”

Chapter 16

Job responds:

“I’ve heard enough of this kind of talk; you’re all terrible comforters.

When will these empty words end? What gives you the confidence to keep replying? I could speak the same way if our situations were reversed—I could pile up words against you and shake my head at you.

But if it were me, I would use my words to strengthen you and try to ease your pain.

Talking doesn’t lessen my suffering, and staying silent doesn’t bring me relief. God has worn me down and left me alone.

My pain has left me with wrinkles, bearing witness to my suffering, and my thinness shows my distress.

He tears at me in His anger, as an enemy would. He gnashes His teeth at me; my enemy looks at me with hatred.

People mock me and strike me on the cheek; they gather against me.

God has handed me over to the ungodly and turned me over to the wicked.

I was living in peace, but He shattered me; He grabbed me by the neck and broke me apart, setting me as a target.

His archers surround me, attacking my core without mercy, spilling my insides on the ground.

He breaks me repeatedly, attacking me like a warrior.

I have put on sackcloth in mourning, and I lie in the dust, humbled.

My face is red from weeping, and the shadow of death is on my eyelids—though I’ve committed no injustice and my prayer is sincere.

O earth, don’t cover my blood; let my cry be heard.

Even now, my witness is in heaven, and my record is with God.

My friends mock me, but my eyes pour out tears to God.

I wish someone could plead for me before God as one pleads for a friend!

My time is short; soon I’ll go down the path from which there is no return.”

Chapter 17

Job continues:

“My breath is foul, my channel days are numbered, and the grave is ready for me.

Aren’t there mockers all around me? Doesn’t my eye continue to be provoked by them?

Give me a pledge, and let someone stand for me. Who will agree to be my guarantor?

You’ve hidden their hearts from understanding, so you won’t exalt them.

Those who flatter their friends will see their children fail.

He has made me a joke among the people; once I was a cheerful instrument, like a tambourine.

Now my eyes are dim from sorrow, and all my body feels weak, like a shadow.

Righteous people will be shocked by this, and the innocent will stand up against the hypocrites.

But the righteous will keep moving forward, and those who are pure will grow stronger.

As for all of you, come back now; I can’t find a wise person among you.

My days are over, and my plans have been broken; even my heart’s desires are gone.

They turn night into day; light becomes darkness.

If I wait, the grave is my home; I’ve made my bed in the darkness.

I’ve called corruption my father, and the worm my mother and sister.

Where is my hope now? Who will see my hope?

They will go down to the grave, where we will rest together in the dust.”

Chapter 18

Bildad responds:

“How long will it take before you finish speaking? Listen to me, and then we will speak.

Why are we treated like animals, viewed as worthless in your eyes?

He tears himself apart in his anger. Will the earth be abandoned for your sake? Will the rock be moved from its place?

Yes, the light of the wicked will go out, and the spark of their fire will not shine.

The light in their home will grow dark, and their lamp will go out with them.

Their strength will be weakened, and their own advice will lead to their downfall.

They are caught in a trap by their own feet and walk right into a snare.

The trap will catch them by the heel, and a robber will defeat them.

A snare is set for them on the ground, and a trap is laid in their path.

Terrors will surround them on every side, forcing them to run.

Their strength will fade, and destruction will be ready to strike.

It will consume their body’s strength, and even death will devour them.

Their confidence will be torn out of their home, and they will be brought before the king of terrors (death).

It will settle in their home, because they don’t own it; burning sulfur will be scattered on their dwelling.

Their roots will dry up below, and their branches will be cut off above.

Their memory will disappear from the earth, and no one will remember their name.

They will be driven from the light into darkness, and be cast out of the world.

They won’t have sons or grandsons among their people, or anyone left in their homes.

Those who come after them will be amazed at their fate, just as those before them were afraid.

This is what happens to the wicked, and this is the fate of those who do not know God.”

Chapter 19

Job responds:

“How long will you torment me and break me into pieces with your words?

You’ve insulted me ten times already. Aren’t you ashamed of making me your enemy?

If I have made a mistake, that mistake is mine alone.

But if you are going to accuse me, and heap shame upon me, know this: God has defeated me and surrounded me with His trap.

I cry out for help because of the injustice, but I am not heard. I shout, but there is no justice.

God has blocked my way so I cannot pass; He has put darkness in my paths.

He has taken away my honor and removed the crown from my head.

He has destroyed me on every side, and I am gone. He has taken away all my hope, like a tree being uprooted.

He has stirred up His anger against me, and treats me as if I were one of His enemies.

His army surrounds me, sets up its way against me, and camps around my tent.

He has kept my family away from me, and my friends have become strangers to me.

My relatives have abandoned me, and my close friends have forgotten me.

The people who live in my house, and even my servants, treat me like a stranger. I am an alien to them.

I called my servant, but he didn’t answer me; I begged him with my words.

Even my wife finds my breath repulsive, even though I’ve asked her to consider the children we have together.

Even the young children mock me; when I stand up, they speak against me.

All my close friends hate me, and those I loved have turned away from me.

My bones cling to my skin, and I have barely escaped with my life.

Have pity on me, my friends, have pity on me, for God’s hand has struck me.

Why do you persecute me like God does, and are not satisfied with my suffering?

Oh, that my words were written down, that they were recorded in a book!

If only they were carved into a rock with an iron tool, and sealed with lead, forever!

But I know that my Redeemer lives, and He will stand on the earth in the last days.

Even after my skin is destroyed, and worms consume my body, I will see God with my own eyes.

I will see Him for myself, and not another. My heart yearns for this.

But you should ask yourselves, ‘Why are we persecuting him?’ The true cause of all this suffering lies in me.

Be afraid of the sword, for the wrath of God brings the sword’s punishment, and you should know that there is a judgment.”

Chapter 20

Zophar’s response to Job:

“My thoughts are making me respond quickly, and I must speak.

I’ve heard the insults aimed at me, and my understanding compels me to answer.

Don’t you know this, from long ago, since mankind was placed on the earth?

The wicked may seem to triumph, but their joy is brief, and their happiness only lasts for a moment.

Even if their pride reaches the sky, and their head touches the clouds,

They will be gone forever, like their own dung; those who once saw them will ask, ‘Where did they go?’

They will vanish like a dream, and no one will find them again; they will be chased away like a vision in the night.

The eyes that once saw them will see them no more, and their place will not be remembered.

Their children will be left trying to repay the poor, and they’ll return what was taken.

Their bones are full of the sin of their youth, and it will lie down with them in the dust.

Even though wickedness tastes sweet in their mouth, and they hide it under their tongue,

Though they enjoy it and don’t let it go, but keep it within them,

It will turn sour in their stomach; it will become poison inside them.

They’ve swallowed wealth, but they will vomit it up; God will force it out of their body.

They will drink the poison of snakes, and the viper’s tongue will kill them.

They will not enjoy the rivers, the streams, or the honey and butter they desire.

Whatever they worked for will be given back, and they won’t be able to enjoy it. They will return what they’ve stolen, and they won’t be happy with it.

This is because they oppressed the poor and forsook the needy; they violently took homes that didn’t belong to them.

They won’t find peace in their hearts; they will not keep what they wanted.

None of their wealth will remain, and no one will expect anything from them.

Even when they feel full and secure, they will be in distress, and the hands of the wicked will come upon them.

While they’re enjoying their meal, God will pour out His anger on them and punish them while they’re eating.

They will try to escape the sword, but it will strike them.

The sword will come out of their body, and terror will overwhelm them.

Darkness will cover their secrets, and a fire not kindled by man will consume them. The one left in their home will suffer.

The heavens will reveal their wickedness, and the earth will rise up against them.

Their wealth and property will be lost, and everything they’ve gained will be swept away in God’s anger.

This is the fate of the wicked, the inheritance God has appointed for them.”

Chapter 21

Job’s response:

“Listen closely to what I’m saying, and let this be your comfort.

Let me speak, and after I’ve spoken, you can mock me if you want.

Is my complaint really against man? If it were, why should my spirit not be disturbed?

Look at me and be amazed; put your hand over your mouth in shock.

Even when I think about it, I’m afraid, and my body trembles.

Why do the wicked live, grow old, and become strong?

Their children are established before them, and their offspring remain in their sight.

Their houses are safe from danger, and the punishment of God does not come upon them.

Their cattle reproduce without failing, and their cows calve without losing their young.

They send their children out, and they play and dance.

They play music and rejoice at the sound of instruments.

They live in wealth and die in an instant, without any suffering.

And yet they say to God, ‘Leave us alone! We don’t want to know your ways.

Why should we serve the Almighty? What do we gain by praying to Him?’

Their prosperity is not in their hands; the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

How often do the wicked’s lights go out, and how often does their destruction come suddenly? God punishes them in His anger.

They are like stubble in the wind, like chaff blown away by the storm.

God stores up their iniquity for their children; He punishes them, and they will know it.

Their eyes will see their own destruction, and they will drink the wrath of the Almighty.

What good is their house to them after they’re gone, when their life is cut off in its prime?

Can anyone teach God anything? He judges even the greatest people.

One man dies in his full strength, at ease and content.

His body is healthy and strong, and his bones are full of marrow.

Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never enjoying his food.

Both of them will lie down in the dust, and worms will cover them.

I know what you’re thinking, and I know the false things you’ve imagined about me.

You say, ‘Where is the house of the wicked? Where are their homes?’

Haven’t you seen those who walk by and understood the signs? The wicked are reserved for the day of destruction; they will be brought to the day of wrath.

Who will show them their sins to their face? Who will pay them back for what they’ve done?

Yet they will be brought to the grave, and their bodies will remain in the tomb.

The grave will be sweet to them, and people will follow after them, just as many have before them.

So why are you comforting me in vain, when your answers are full of falsehood?”

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Chapter 22

In this chapter, Eliphaz the Temanite accuses Job of great wickedness and suggests that his suffering is a result of his sins:

“Can a man truly benefit God by being righteous? Does God gain anything from your good deeds, or is it just for your own benefit?

Do you think God will correct you just because He is afraid of you? Will He enter into judgment with you?

Isn’t your wickedness great? Aren’t your sins countless?

You’ve taken advantage of others, making them pay for things they couldn’t afford. You’ve stripped the poor and helpless of their clothing.

You haven’t helped the thirsty or fed the hungry.

While the powerful may have land and honor, you’ve sent widows away empty-handed and broken the arms of orphans.

Because of this, traps are closing in on you, and sudden fears are troubling you.

Or maybe it’s the darkness, which makes it impossible for you to see, and floods that overwhelm you.

Do you think God doesn’t know what’s going on? Don’t you see how high the stars are in the heavens? Can He not see through the clouds? He walks in the heavens, and nothing escapes His gaze.

Have you seen the fate of wicked people from the past? They were cut off before their time, their homes washed away by floods. They told God to leave them alone, asking what He could do for them. But He still gave them good things.

The righteous see this and are glad; they laugh at the wicked.

Their wealth is destroyed by fire, but we, the righteous, are secure.

If you would make peace with God and turn back to Him, good would come to you.

Listen to God’s words and store them in your heart.

If you return to Him, He will rebuild you. He will remove your sin.

Then you will be so wealthy, it will seem like gold is as common as dust.

God will protect you, and you will have plenty of silver.

You will find joy in God, and your face will be lifted up to Him.

You will pray to God, and He will listen. You will fulfill your vows.

Whatever you declare will come to pass, and light will shine on your way.

When people are brought low, you will lift them up, and God will save the humble.

He will deliver the innocent, and it will be through your purity that you are saved.”

Chapter 23

Then Job answered and said:

“My complaint is still bitter; my suffering is heavier than my groaning.

I wish I knew where to find God, so I could go to His seat. I would lay out my case before Him and argue my position.

I want to know what He would say to me, to understand His response.

Would He use His great power to oppose me? No, He would give me strength.

There, the righteous could argue with Him, and I would be delivered from my judge.

I look forward, but I can’t find Him. I look backward, but He’s not there. I try to see Him on my left, where He is active, but I can’t see Him; He hides Himself on the right, and I can’t find Him.

But God knows the path I take; when He has tested me, I will come out like gold.

I have held to His steps, kept His ways, and haven’t turned away.

I have followed His commands and valued His words more than food.

But He is unchanging, and who can turn Him? Whatever He desires, He does.

He carries out what is destined for me, and many such things are in His plans.

This is why I am troubled by His presence; when I think about it, I am afraid of Him.

For God has softened my heart, and the Almighty has troubled me.

I am disturbed because I haven’t been cut off before the darkness, and He hasn’t hidden me from the darkness.”

Chapter 24

In this passage, Job is grappling with the apparent injustice in the world. He questions why those who know God and are aware of His justice don’t see the day of reckoning for the wicked, and he describes the actions of the unjust, painting a bleak picture of the suffering of the poor and the oppression they endure.

“Why, if times are not hidden from God, do those who know Him not see His days of judgment?

Some remove boundaries (landmarks) and steal flocks to feed themselves.

They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox as a pledge.

They turn the needy out of their path; the poor of the earth hide themselves.

Like wild asses in the desert, they go out to work, rising early for a prey. The wilderness provides food for them and their children.

They harvest corn in the fields, and gather the wine from the vineyards of the wicked.

They force the naked to stay without clothing, and leave them exposed to the cold.

They are drenched by the mountain rains and have no shelter, embracing rocks for warmth.

They take the young from the breast of the fatherless and demand a pledge from the poor.

They send the poor away naked, and take away the grain from the hungry.

While making oil in their homes and treading the winepress, they suffer from thirst.

The people groan from the city, and the wounded cry out, but God does not charge them with folly.

They rebel against the light, not knowing its ways or abiding by it.

The murderer rises at dawn to kill the poor and needy, and the thief comes out at night.

The adulterer waits for twilight, thinking no one will see him, and hides his face.

At night, they dig through houses that they marked in the daytime; they know nothing of the light.

To them, the morning is like the shadow of death; if anyone knows them, they are filled with terror.

They move swiftly like rushing waters; their portion is cursed on the earth, and they do not observe the ways of the vineyards.

Drought and heat destroy the waters that once flowed, just as the grave destroys those who have sinned.

The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them sweetly. They are no longer remembered, and their wickedness is broken like a tree.

They mistreat the barren woman who cannot bear children and do not show kindness to the widow.

They use their power to draw the mighty to their destruction. No one is sure of their life.

Though they may be given safety for a while, they are always watching for others’ mistakes.

They are exalted for a brief time, but then they fall, brought low, and taken away like the tops of ears of corn.

And if all this is not true, who will prove me wrong and show my words to be worthless?”

In this passage, Job paints a stark picture of the wicked: those who commit injustice, take advantage of the vulnerable, and escape punishment for a time. He questions why God allows such things to happen, even as he acknowledges that these wicked deeds will eventually lead to their downfall. The reference to the “shadow of death” highlights the moral darkness that surrounds these people, and the image of the grave consuming sinners is a reminder that all face eventual judgment. Job ends by challenging anyone to refute his words, emphasizing the grim reality of the situation.

Chapter 25

Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said,

“God is the ruler, and He commands fear. He brings peace to His high places.

Can anyone count His armies? And who does His light not reach?

How can anyone be justified before God? How can someone born of a woman be pure?

Even the moon doesn’t shine as brightly in His presence, and the stars aren’t pure in His sight.

How much less man, who is just a worm? And the son of man, who is also just a worm?”

Chapter 26

But Job answered and said,

“How have you helped the powerless? How have you saved the arm that has no strength?

How have you advised someone without wisdom? And how clearly have you explained the truth?

To whom did you speak these words? And whose spirit spoke through you?

The dead tremble beneath the waters, along with all who live there.

Hell lies open before Him, and destruction has no covering from His sight.

He stretches out the northern skies over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.

He wraps up the waters in His thick clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.

He hides the face of His throne and spreads His clouds over it.

He set a boundary for the waters, marking the edge between day and night.

The pillars of heaven tremble and are stunned at His rebuke.

With His power, He calms the sea, and with His wisdom, He strikes down the arrogant.

By His spirit, He beautified the heavens; His hand shaped the fleeing serpent.

And yet, these are just glimpses of His ways—how faintly we hear of Him! Who can truly understand the thunder of His power?”

Chapter 27

Job continued his speech and said,

“As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,

As long as I have breath in me and the spirit of God in my nostrils,

My lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.

God forbid that I should agree with you; I will never abandon my integrity until I die.

I will hold on to my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart will not condemn me as long as I live.

Let my enemy be like the wicked, and let anyone who rises against me be like the unrighteous.

For what hope does the hypocrite have when God takes away his life?

Will God listen to his cry when trouble comes upon him?

Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he always call upon God?

I will teach you about God’s ways; I will not hide what the Almighty has planned.

All of you have seen this yourselves; so why are you all so foolish?

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the inheritance that oppressors receive from the Almighty.

If his children increase, it will be for the sword, and his offspring will never have enough food.

Those who survive him will be buried in death, and even his widows will not mourn.

Though he piles up silver like dust and clothes like clay,

He may gather it, but the righteous will wear it, and the innocent will divide his silver.

He builds his house like a moth’s cocoon, or like a hut that a watchman makes.

The rich man will lie down and not be gathered; he opens his eyes, and he is no more.

Terrors overwhelm him like a flood; a storm sweeps him away in the night.

The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.

For God will hurl him down without mercy; he will try to flee from God’s power.

People will clap their hands at him and hiss him out of his place.”

Chapter 28

“Surely there is a place to find silver, and a place where gold is refined.

Iron is taken from the ground, and copper is smelted from ore.

People put an end to darkness and search out all the hidden things—deep within the earth, even the darkest stones and the shadow of death.

They dig tunnels far from where people live; forgotten by travelers, they are dried up and cut off from humanity.

Bread comes from the earth above, but beneath it, fire seems to rage.

Its stones are filled with sapphires, and it has dust of gold.

There is a path that no bird of prey knows, and even the keen-eyed vulture hasn’t seen it.

The young lions haven’t set foot there, nor has any fierce lion passed through.

People put their hands to the hardest rock; they overturn mountains from their roots.

They cut channels in the rocks, and their eyes see every precious thing.

They dam up streams to prevent them from overflowing, and bring hidden things to light.

But where can wisdom be found? And where does understanding dwell?

No one knows its worth, and it cannot be found among the living.

The deep ocean says, ‘It’s not with me’; and the sea says, ‘It’s not with me.’

It cannot be bought with gold, nor can silver be weighed as its price.

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, nor with precious onyx or sapphire.

Neither gold nor glass can compare with it, and it cannot be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

Coral and pearls aren’t worth mentioning; the price of wisdom is far above rubies.

The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued with pure gold.

So, where does wisdom come from? And where does understanding dwell?

It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, and even the birds in the sky cannot see it.

Destruction and Death say, ‘We’ve only heard rumors of it.’

God understands the way to it, and He knows where it dwells.

For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.

He created the winds with measure, and balanced the waters by measure.

When He set the limits for the rain and made a path for the lightning,

Then He saw wisdom and assessed it; He established it and examined it.

And to humanity, He said, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'”

Chapter 29

Job continued, saying, “Oh, how I long for the days that have passed, when God watched over me.

When His light shone on my path, and I walked safely even in the darkness.

Those were the days of my youth, when God’s friendship was upon my home.

The Almighty was with me then, and my children were around me.

I was so blessed that it was as if my feet were bathed in cream, and rocks poured out streams of oil for me.

When I went out to the city gate, where people gathered, and took my seat in the public square,

Young men saw me and stepped aside; even the elders rose and stood in respect.

The leaders stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands.

The voices of the nobles were hushed; they held their tongues in silence.

When people heard me, they blessed me, and when they saw me, they praised me,

Because I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the orphan who had no one to assist him.

Those who were near death blessed me, and I brought joy to the hearts of widows.

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my crown.

I was eyes for the blind, and feet for the lame.

I was a father to the poor, and I took up the case of strangers.

I shattered the teeth of the wicked, snatching their victims from their grasp.

I thought, ‘I will die in my own home, and my days will be as numerous as the grains of sand.

My roots will reach the waters, and the dew will lie on my branches all night.

My honor was ever fresh, and my strength was renewed like a bow ready for battle.’

People listened eagerly to me, waiting in silence for my advice.

Once I had spoken, they did not respond, and my words settled on them gently.

They waited for me as people wait for rain; they opened their mouths to receive my counsel like spring rain.

When I smiled at them, they could hardly believe it; the light of my face lifted their spirits.

I chose their path and sat as their leader; I lived among them like a king with his troops, like one who comforts those who mourn.”

Chapter 30

“But now, even those younger than I mock me—men whose fathers I wouldn’t have considered fit to work with the dogs of my flock.

Of what use is their strength to me? They’re worn out, their vigor gone.

Driven by hunger and poverty, they wander in desolate wildernesses, once desolate and barren.

They eat plants by the bushes and root of the broom tree for food.

They were cast out from society, chased off like thieves,

To live in the cliffs and valleys, in caves and among the rocks.

They howl among the bushes and huddle together under the nettles.

They are base men, foolish and degraded, lower than dirt.

And now I have become the subject of their songs; they mock me and use me as a byword.

They despise me, keep their distance, and don’t hesitate to spit in my face.

Because God has loosened His hold on me and afflicted me, they feel free to treat me with contempt.

Young men at my side mock me; they trip me up and plot my ruin.

They destroy my path and add to my suffering, though no one helps them.

They come at me like a breaking wave; they swarm over me in my misery.

Terrors overwhelm me; they chase my honor like the wind, and my well-being disappears like a cloud.

Now my soul is poured out in agony; days of torment grip me.

Pain pierces my bones at night; the pain never leaves me.

My clothes cling to my diseased body, as if it binds me tight.

He has cast me into the mud, and I am reduced to dust and ashes.

I cry to You, God, but You do not answer me; I stand up, but You do not even look at me.

You have turned cruel to me, using Your powerful hand against me.

You lift me up to the wind, toss me around, and make me disintegrate.

I know You are bringing me to death, the destination of all the living.

Yet, surely no one stretches out a hand to the grave when they cry in their distress.

Didn’t I weep for those who suffered hardship? Didn’t I grieve for the poor?

But when I looked for good, evil came instead; when I hoped for light, I found only darkness.

My heart churns, restless, as days of suffering overtake me.

I go about darkened by grief, without sunlight; I stand in the assembly and cry for help.

I am now like a brother to jackals and a companion to owls.

My skin is blackened and peeling, and my bones burn with fever.

My harp is now a sound of mourning, and my flute the voice of those who weep.”

Chapter 31

“I made an agreement with my own eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. For what portion from God above or inheritance from the Almighty would there be for me if I did? Isn’t ruin meant for the wicked, and disaster for those who do evil? Doesn’t He see everything I do and count every step I take?

If I have walked in falsehood, or if my foot has hurried toward deceit, let God weigh me on honest scales so He may know my integrity.

If I have strayed from the right path, or let my heart follow my eyes, or if my hands have been stained by wrongdoing, then let someone else eat what I’ve sown, and may my descendants be uprooted.

If my heart has been seduced by another woman, or if I have waited at my neighbor’s door, then let my wife be taken by another, and let others lie with her. For that would be a terrible sin, an offense that should be punished by the judges. It would be a fire that consumes and destroys everything I have.

If I have disregarded the pleas of my servants when they had a grievance against me, what could I say when God confronts me? Didn’t the same God who created me create them too?

If I have denied the desires of the poor, or caused a widow to despair; if I kept my bread to myself and didn’t share it with the orphan (though from my youth I cared for the orphan as a father would), if I saw someone perishing for lack of clothing or a poor person without a coat, and they didn’t bless me as they were warmed by the wool of my sheep; if I raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing I had influence in the courts—then let my arm fall off from my shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint.

I feared God’s punishment, and because of His majesty, I could not bring myself to do such things.

If I put my trust in gold or called fine gold my security; if I rejoiced over my wealth or the abundance of what I possessed; if I worshiped the sun in its radiance or the moon in its splendor, and my heart was secretly enticed, or my hand made a gesture of homage—such actions would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God.

If I rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or delighted in harm coming to him, or if I allowed my mouth to sin by wishing a curse on him—no, I have not done so.

If the people of my household have never said, ‘Who hasn’t eaten enough from Job’s table?’ (For I never let any stranger lodge in the streets; I always opened my doors to the traveler.)

If I tried to hide my sins, like Adam, by concealing my guilt out of fear of public shame or dread of family scorn, so I stayed silent and hidden—

Oh, that someone would listen to me! I sign my defense. Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser put his allegations in writing.

I would wear it proudly on my shoulder; I would bind it on my head like a crown. I would tell Him everything I’ve done; I would approach Him with confidence, like a prince.

If my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, if I have consumed its produce without paying or have caused its owners to lose their lives, let thorns grow instead of wheat, and weeds instead of barley.”

Thus ends the words of Job.

Chapter 32

So, Job’s three friends stopped answering him, because he was convinced he was right.

Then Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry at Job because Job defended himself instead of defending God. He was also angry at Job’s three friends because they had failed to answer Job’s arguments but still condemned him.

Elihu had waited to speak, as Job’s friends were older than he was. But when Elihu saw that they had no answers left, he grew angry.

Elihu said, “I am young, and you are very old. So I was afraid to tell you my opinion. I thought that age should speak, that those who have lived many years should teach wisdom. But it is the spirit within a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding. Great people are not always wise, nor do the elderly always know what is right.

“So I say, listen to me too, and let me share my thoughts. I waited while you spoke and listened to your reasoning as you thought about what to say. I paid close attention, but none of you refuted Job or answered his arguments. Don’t say, ‘We found wisdom on our own; it was God who defeated him, not us.’

“Job wasn’t talking to me directly, so I won’t answer him with your words. You have no reply; you stopped speaking.

“Since you’re silent, I’ll share my thoughts. I am full of ideas, and the spirit inside me compels me to speak. I feel like new wine in a wineskin that’s ready to burst. I must speak to get relief; I’ll open my lips and answer.

“I won’t favor anyone or flatter anyone. I don’t know how to flatter people—if I did, my Creator would soon put an end to me.”

Chapter 33

“So, Job, please listen to what I’m saying, and pay attention to all my words.

See, I’ve opened my mouth to speak, and I’m going to speak honestly from my heart. I will make my thoughts clear.

The spirit of God created me, and the breath of the Almighty gave me life. If you can respond, go ahead—set out your words and stand up.

I am just like you; like you, I was formed from clay. Don’t worry, I won’t frighten you or be too hard on you.

I heard you say, ‘I am innocent; I’ve done no wrong. But God finds fault with me and treats me like an enemy. He puts my feet in shackles and watches all my steps.’

In this, you are not right, Job. I will answer you: God is greater than humans. Why do you argue with him? He doesn’t owe us an explanation for his actions.

God speaks in different ways, though people often don’t realize it. He speaks in dreams and visions, in the deep of night when people are asleep. He opens their ears and gives them guidance, to turn them away from wrongdoing and keep them from pride.

God holds people back from going to the grave, from dying by violence. He also uses pain to discipline people, making them sick in bed with intense pain. They lose their appetite, even for their favorite foods. Their bodies waste away, and their bones stick out.

Their lives draw close to the grave, to the edge of death. But if a messenger—a mediator—comes to show them what’s right, then God may be gracious to them and say, ‘Save them from going down to the grave; I have found a way to rescue them.’

Then their bodies will be healthy again, like when they were young. They will pray to God, and he will accept them with joy and make things right for them again.

They may say, ‘I sinned and did wrong, but it did me no good.’ Then God will save their lives from the grave, letting them live in the light.

God does all this repeatedly for people, to bring them back from the edge of death, so they can experience the light of life.

So, Job, listen carefully to me. Be silent, and I’ll keep speaking. If you have something to say, go ahead—I want to prove you right. But if not, just listen to me, and I’ll teach you wisdom.”

Chapter 34

Then Elihu continued and said, “Listen to my words, you who are wise; pay attention, those of you who have knowledge.

Just as the mouth tastes food, the ear tests words. Let’s choose for ourselves what is just and understand what is good.

Job has said, ‘I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights. Even though I am right, I am treated as if I’m wrong, and my wound is incurable, though I’ve done nothing wrong.’

Who else is like Job, who drinks up criticism as easily as water? He keeps company with wrongdoers and associates with wicked people.

Job has even said, ‘It does no good for a person to try to please God.’

So listen to me, you who understand: it’s unthinkable that God would do evil, and impossible that the Almighty would act unjustly. He gives each person what they deserve and rewards them according to their deeds.

Surely, God will not do wrong, nor will the Almighty twist justice. Who put him in charge of the earth? Who gave him authority over the whole world? If he chose to withdraw his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together and return to dust.

If you have understanding, listen to this; pay attention to my words. Can someone who hates justice really govern? Will you condemn the one who is perfectly just? Is it right to say to a king, ‘You’re wicked,’ or to noblemen, ‘You’re ungodly’? Certainly not—God doesn’t show favoritism to princes or treat the rich better than the poor, since all people are his creation.

In an instant, they can die; people can be troubled at midnight and pass away; even the mighty are taken without warning.

God watches over all human actions and sees everything they do. There’s no darkness or shadow where wrongdoers can hide from him. He judges people fairly and doesn’t have to take them to court.

He breaks powerful people without number and replaces them with others. He knows their actions and strikes them down in plain sight, because they turned away from him and ignored his ways. They caused the poor to cry out to him, and he heard the cries of the afflicted.

When God brings peace, who can cause trouble? And when he hides his face, who can see him? This applies whether it’s directed against a nation or an individual, to prevent hypocrites from ruling and trapping people.

Surely, we should say to God, ‘I have accepted my punishment; I won’t do wrong again. Teach me what I don’t see; if I’ve done wrong, I’ll do it no more.’

Should God reward you on your terms just because you reject his? You must choose, not me—so tell me what you know.

Let those with understanding speak, and let a wise person agree with me. Job has spoken without knowledge, and his words lack wisdom. I wish that Job would be tested to the fullest for answering like wicked people do, because he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands in defiance and piles up words against God.”

Chapter 35

Elihu continued and said, “Do you think it’s right to say, ‘My righteousness is greater than God’s’?

You ask, ‘What good will it do me, and what profit will I have if I’m cleansed from my sin?’

I will answer you and your friends.

Look up at the heavens and see the clouds that are higher than you.

If you sin, what do you do to God? Or if your sins increase, how does that affect him? If you are righteous, what do you give him? What does he receive from your hand?

Your wickedness may harm only a human being like you, and your righteousness may help other people.

Because of the many oppressions, the oppressed cry out; they cry out because of the power of the mighty.

But no one asks, ‘Where is God, my maker, who gives songs in the night; who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’

They cry, but no one answers, because of the arrogance of the wicked.

Surely, God doesn’t listen to emptiness, and the Almighty won’t regard it.

Even if you say you won’t see him, judgment is still before him; so trust in him.

But now, because things are not going as you expect, he has visited you in his anger. But he doesn’t know you’re in great distress, so Job speaks in vain, multiplying words without understanding.”

Chapter 36

Elihu continued and said, “Allow me a little time, and I will show you that I still have more to say on God’s behalf.

I will draw my knowledge from far and will declare the righteousness of my Maker.

For truly, my words will not be false: the one who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

Look, God is mighty, and he does not despise anyone; he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

He does not preserve the life of the wicked, but he gives justice to the poor.

He does not take his eyes off the righteous; with kings, they are on the throne. He establishes them forever, and they are exalted.

If they are bound with chains and held in cords of affliction, then he shows them their work and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

He also opens their ears to discipline and commands them to turn away from iniquity.

If they obey and serve him, they will spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.

But if they do not obey, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge.

The hypocrites in heart store up wrath; they do not cry out when he binds them.

They die in their youth, and their lives are among the unclean.

He delivers the poor in their affliction, and opens their ears when they are oppressed.

Even so, he would have taken you from distress to a broad place where there is no narrowness; and what should be set before you would be full of abundance.

But you have chosen the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice have laid hold on you.

Beware that you do not let wrath take you away with his strike; no ransom will save you.

Will he value your wealth? No, not gold, nor all your strength.

Do not long for the night, when people are cut off in their place.

Pay attention, do not regard iniquity, for you have chosen it over suffering.

Look, God is exalted by his power: who teaches like him?

Who has instructed him on his way? Or who can say, ‘You have done wrong’?

Remember to praise his work, which people see.

Every person can see it; man can behold it from afar.

Look, God is great, and we do not know him, nor can the number of his years be searched out.

For he makes small the drops of water; they pour down rain according to its vapor.

The clouds drop and distill abundant rain on man.

Can anyone understand how the clouds spread or the noise of his tabernacle?

Look, he spreads his light on it and covers the bottom of the sea.

By them, he judges the people; he gives them abundant food.

With clouds, he covers the light and commands it not to shine by the cloud that comes between.

The noise of the clouds shows about it, and the cattle also sense the vapor.”

Chapter 37

At this, my heart trembles and moves out of its place.

Listen carefully to the sound of his voice, and the roar that comes from his mouth.

He directs it across the sky, and his lightning reaches the ends of the earth.

After it, a voice roars; he thunders with the voice of his majesty, and when his voice is heard, he will not hold it back.

God thunders marvelously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot understand.

For he says to the snow, “Fall on the earth,” and to the light rain and the heavy rain, “Be strong.”

He seals up the hands of every man so that all may know his work.

Then the animals go into their dens and remain in their lairs.

From the south comes the whirlwind, and cold from the north.

By the breath of God, frost is made, and the waters are frozen.

Also, with his watering, he wearies the thick cloud, scattering his bright cloud.

It is turned around by his guidance, so that it does whatever he commands on the face of the earth.

He causes it to happen, whether for correction, or for the land, or for mercy.

Listen to this, Job: stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

Do you know when God set them in place, or caused the light of his cloud to shine?

Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the marvelous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?

How do your clothes stay warm when he quiets the earth by the south wind?

Have you stretched out the sky with him, strong as a molten mirror?

Teach us what we should say to him; we cannot order our speech because of the darkness.

Should we tell him that we speak? If a man speaks, he will surely be swallowed up.

Now men do not see the bright light in the clouds, but the wind passes and clears them away.

Fair weather comes from the north; with God is awesome majesty.

Concerning the Almighty, we cannot understand him; he is excellent in power, in judgment, and in abundance of justice; he does not oppress.

Therefore, men fear him; he does not regard the wise in heart.

Chapter 38

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

Who is this that darkens counsel with words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man; I will demand of you, and you will answer me.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements, if you know? Or who stretched the line across it?

On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone,

when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Who shut up the sea with doors when it burst forth, coming out of the womb,

when I made the cloud its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band,

when I established its limits for it, and set bars and doors,

and said, “Thus far you may come, but no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed”?

Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,

so that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?

It is turned to clay by the seal, and they stand as a garment.

And from the wicked their light is withheld, and the high arm is broken.

Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the depths of the ocean?

Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.

Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place,

that you may take it to its territory, and that you may know the paths to its house?

Do you know it because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great?

Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,

which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?

By what way is the light divided, or the east wind scattered over the earth?

Who has cut a channel for the floodwaters, or a path for the thunderstorm,

to bring rain on the earth where no one lives, a desert with no human inhabitant,

to satisfy the desolate wasteland, and to make the tender grass spring forth?

Has the rain a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew?

From whose womb did the ice come, and who gave birth to the frost of heaven?

The waters become hard as stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion?

Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons, or guide the Bear with its cubs?

Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish their dominion over the earth?

Can you raise your voice to the clouds, that an abundance of water may cover you?

Can you send forth lightning, that they may go and say to you, “Here we are”?

Who has put wisdom in the inward parts, or who has given understanding to the mind?

Who can count the clouds by wisdom? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavens,

when the dust becomes hard and the clods of earth stick together?

Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

when they crouch in their dens, or lie in wait in their thicket?

Who provides food for the raven, when its young ones cry out to God, and wander for lack of food?

Chapter 39

Do you know the time when the wild goats of the rock give birth? Can you observe when the hinds calve?

Can you count the months they fulfill, or know the time when they give birth?

They bow down, they bring forth their young, they cast out their sorrows.

Their young are in good health, they grow up with grain; they go forth and do not return to them.

Who has set the wild donkey free? Who has loosened the bonds of the wild donkey?

Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwelling?

He scorns the tumult of the city; he does not heed the shouts of the driver.

The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searches for every green thing.

Will the unicorn be willing to serve you, or stay by your crib?

Can you bind the unicorn with a rope in the furrow, or will he plow the valleys for you?

Will you trust him because his strength is great, and leave your labor to him?

Will you believe that he will bring home your seed and gather it into your barn?

Did you give the peacock its beautiful wings, or wings and feathers to the ostrich?

She leaves her eggs in the earth, and warms them in the dust, forgetting that a foot might crush them or a wild animal may break them.

She is hardened against her young, as if they were not hers; her labor is in vain, without fear, because God has deprived her of wisdom, and has not given her understanding.

When she lifts herself on high, she scorns the horse and its rider.

Have you given the horse his strength? Have you clothed his neck with thunder?

Can you make him afraid like a grasshopper? His majestic nostrils are terrifying.

He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength; he goes to meet the armed men.

He mocks at fear, and is not frightened; he does not turn back from the sword.

The quiver rattles against him, the glittering spear and the shield.

He swallows the ground with fierceness and rage; he does not believe that the sound of the trumpet is a threat.

He says among the trumpets, “Ha! Ha!” and smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?

Does the eagle mount up at your command, and make her nest on high?

She dwells and abides on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.

From there she seeks her prey, and her eyes observe from afar.

Her young ones also suck up blood; and where the slain are, there is she.

Chapter 40

Then the Lord answered Job and said, “Can anyone who argues with the Almighty teach Him? Let the one who accuses God answer me.”

Job responded to the Lord and said, “I am unworthy. What can I say to you? I will put my hand over my mouth.

I have spoken once, but I will not answer. I have spoken twice, but I will say no more.”

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the whirlwind and said, “Prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Would you really challenge my judgment? Would you condemn me so that you can be right? Do you have an arm like God’s, or can you thunder with a voice like His?

Dress yourself in majesty and splendor; array yourself in glory and beauty.

Unleash the fury of your anger; look at all who are proud and bring them low.

Look at all who are proud, humble them, and crush the wicked where they stand.

Bury them in the dust together; hide their faces in the secret place.

Then I will acknowledge that your own right hand can save you.

Look now at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He eats grass like an ox.

His strength is in his waist, and his power is in the muscles of his belly.

He moves his tail like a cedar; the tendons of his thighs are tightly bound.

His bones are as strong as bronze; his limbs are like bars of iron.

He is the largest of God’s works; the one who made him can make his sword come near him.

The mountains produce food for him, where all the wild animals play.

He lies under the lotus trees, in the shelter of the reeds and marsh.

The lotus trees cover him with their shade; the willows of the brook surround him.

He drinks up a river and is not disturbed; he trusts that he can draw the Jordan into his mouth.

He can capture it with his eyes; his nostrils pierce through snares.”

Chapter 41

Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook, or his tongue with a cord that you let down? Can you put a hook in his nose, or pierce his jaw with a thorn? Will he beg you earnestly, or speak soft words to you? Will he make an agreement with you, or will you take him as a servant forever? Will you play with him like a bird, or tie him up for your maidens? Will the companions make a feast of him? Will they divide him among the merchants? Can you fill his skin with sharp irons, or his head with fish spears? Lay your hand on him, remember the battle, and never do it again.

Behold, hoping to capture him is in vain. Will not anyone be terrified just by seeing him? No one is so fierce that they would dare stir him up. Who then can stand before me? Who has challenged me, that I should repay them? Everything under heaven is mine.

I will not hide his parts, his power, or his majestic form. Who can uncover his outer garment? Who can approach him with a bridle? Who can open the doors of his mouth? His teeth are fearsome all around.

His scales are his pride, tightly sealed together. They are so close that no air can pass between them. They are joined together so firmly that they cannot be separated.

When he sneezes, light shines, and his eyes are like the dawn. From his mouth come burning torches, and sparks of fire leap out. Smoke pours from his nostrils, like a boiling pot or cauldron.

His breath ignites coals, and flames burst from his mouth. His strength resides in his neck, and joy comes before him when he moves. His flesh is firmly joined, unmovable. His heart is as hard as a stone, as hard as a millstone.

When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid; they purify themselves because of his fierce power. The sword cannot strike him, nor the spear, nor the dart, nor the coat of mail. He treats iron as if it were straw, and brass as if it were rotten wood.

The arrow cannot make him flee; slingstones are like chaff to him. Darts are counted as stubble, and he laughs at the shaking of a spear.

Sharp stones are under him; he spreads sharp, pointed things over the mud. He makes the deep sea boil like a pot, and the sea like a pot of ointment.

He leaves a shining trail behind him, as if the deep sea were white with frost. On earth, there is no one like him, made without fear. He looks at everything that is high; he is king over all the proud creatures.

Chapter 42

Then Job answered the LORD and said, “I know that you can do anything, and that no thought is hidden from you. Who is it that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore, I have spoken about things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me that I didn’t know.

Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you, and you answer me. I had heard about you with my ears, but now my eye sees you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My anger is aroused against you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. Now take seven bulls and seven rams, go to my servant Job, and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept him, so that I don’t deal with you according to your foolishness, for you have not spoken correctly about me, as Job has.”

So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the LORD had commanded them, and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.

The LORD restored Job’s prosperity when he prayed for his friends. The LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then all his brothers and sisters, and everyone who had been his acquaintance before, came and ate with him in his house. They comforted him and mourned over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of money and an earring of gold.

The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemima, the second Kezia, and the third Kerenhappuch. In all the land, there were no women as beautiful as the daughters of Job, and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.

After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years, saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation, and died old and full of days.