118000000THE BOOK OF JOB.
118001000CHAPTER 1 Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches--Satan obtains leave from the Lord to tempt and try Job--His property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.
118001001There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
118001002And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
118001003His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
118001004And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
118001005And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
118001006Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
118001007And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
118001008And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
118001009Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
118001010Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
118001011But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
118001012And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
118001013And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
118001014And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
118001015And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
118001016While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
118001017While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
118001018While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
118001019And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
118001020Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
118001021And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
118001022In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
118002000CHAPTER 2 Satan obtains leave from the Lord to afflict Job physically--He is smitten with boils--Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar come to comfort him.
118002001Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
118002002And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
118002003And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
118002004And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
118002005But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
118002006And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
118002007So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
118002008And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
118002009Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
118002010But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
118002011Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
118002012And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
118002013So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
118003000CHAPTER 3 Job curses the day and services of his birth. He asks: Why died I not from the womb.
118003001After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.
118003002And Job spake, and said,
118003003Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.
118003004Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.
118003005Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
118003006As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
118003007Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
118003008Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning.
118003009Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light, but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
118003010Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.
118003011Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
118003012Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
118003013For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest,
118003014With kings and counsellers of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;
118003015Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:
118003016Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light.
118003017There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.
118003018There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.
118003019The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.
118003020Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul;
118003021Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;
118003022Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
118003023Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?
118003024For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
118003025For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
118003026I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.
118004000CHAPTER 4 Eliphaz reproves Job, asking such questions as: Are the righteous cut off? and, Shall a man be more pure than his maker?
118004001Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
118004002If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?
118004003Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
118004004Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
118004005But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
118004006Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?
118004007Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
118004008Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.
118004009By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.
118004010The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
118004011The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.
118004012Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.
118004013In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,
118004014Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
118004015Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
118004016It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
118004017Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
118004018Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly:
118004019How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
118004020They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it.
118004021Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.
118005000CHAPTER 5 Eliphaz counsels Job: Man is born unto trouble; Seek unto God; and Happy is the man whom God correcteth.
118005001Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?
118005002For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
118005003I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
118005004His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.
118005005Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.
118005006Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
118005007Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
118005008I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
118005009Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
118005010Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:
118005011To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
118005012He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
118005013He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
118005014They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.
118005015But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
118005016So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
118005017Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
118005018For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
118005019He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
118005020In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.
118005021Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
118005022At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
118005023For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
118005024And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.
118005025Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.
118005026Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
118005027Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.
118006000CHAPTER 6 Job bemoans his grief--He prays that God will grant his petitions--Those who are afflicted should be pitied--How forcible are right words!
118006001But Job answered and said,
118006002Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
118006003For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
118006004For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
118006005Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?
118006006Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
118006007The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
118006008Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
118006009Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
118006010Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
118006011What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
118006012Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
118006013Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
118006014To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
118006015My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
118006016Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
118006017What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
118006018The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.
118006019The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
118006020They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
118006021For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
118006022Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
118006023Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
118006024Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
118006025How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
118006026Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
118006027Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
118006028Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
118006029Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.
118006030Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
118007000CHAPTER 7 Job asks: Is there an appointed time for man on earth? What is man that thou shouldst magnify him? Why dost thou not pardon my transgression?
118007001Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
118007002As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
118007003So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
118007004When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.
118007005My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
118007006My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
118007007O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
118007008The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not.
118007009As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.
118007010He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.
118007011Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
118007012Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
118007013When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;
118007014Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
118007015So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
118007016I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.
118007017What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?
118007018And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?
118007019How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
118007020I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
118007021And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.
118008000CHAPTER 8 Bildad asks: Doth God pervert judgment? He says: Our days upon earth are a shadow; and, God will not cast away a perfect man.
118008001Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
118008002How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?
118008003Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?
118008004If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;
118008005If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
118008006If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.
118008007Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
118008008For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
118008009(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)
118008010Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?
118008011Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
118008012Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
118008013So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:
118008014Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
118008015He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.
118008016He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.
118008017His roots are wrapped about the heap, and seeth the place of stones.
118008018If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I have not seen thee.
118008019Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow.
118008020Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:
118008021Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
118008022They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.
118009000CHAPTER 9 Job acknowledges the justice and greatness of God, and concludes that man cannot contend against him.
118009001Then Job answered and said,
118009002I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
118009003If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
118009004He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
118009005Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.
118009006Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.
118009007Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
118009008Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.
118009009Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.
118009010Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.
118009011Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not.
118009012Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou?
118009013If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
118009014How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?
118009015Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.
118009016If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.
118009017For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
118009018He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
118009019If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
118009020If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
118009021Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
118009022This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
118009023If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.
118009024The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
118009025Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
118009026They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey.
118009027If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
118009028I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.
118009029If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
118009030If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
118009031Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.
118009032For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
118009033Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
118009034Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
118009035Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
118010000CHAPTER 10 Job is weary of life--He expostulates with God about his afflictions--Why hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? he asks.
118010001My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
118010002I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
118010003Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?
118010004Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man seeth?
118010005Are thy days as the days of man? are thy years as man's days,
118010006That thou inquirest after mine iniquity, and searchest after my sin?
118010007Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.
118010008Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.
118010009Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?
118010010Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?
118010011Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.
118010012Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.
118010013And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.
118010014If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.
118010015If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;
118010016For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.
118010017Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me.
118010018Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me!
118010019I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
118010020Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
118010021Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death;
118010022A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.
118011000CHAPTER 11 Zophar asks: Canst thou by searching find out God? He says the hope of the wicked shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
118011001Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
118011002Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
118011003Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
118011004For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
118011005But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
118011006And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.
118011007Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
118011008It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?
118011009The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
118011010If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?
118011011For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it?
118011012For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.
118011013If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
118011014If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
118011015For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:
118011016Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:
118011017And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.
118011018And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.
118011019Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.
118011020But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.
118012000CHAPTER 12 Job says: The souls of all things are in the hands of the Lord; and, With the ancient is wisdom; and, The Lord governs in all things.
118012001And Job answered and said,
118012002No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
118012003But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
118012004I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.
118012005He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.
118012006The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
118012007But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
118012008Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
118012009Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?
118012010In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
118012011Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?
118012012With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
118012013With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
118012014Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.
118012015Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.
118012016With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.
118012017He leadeth counsellers away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.
118012018He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
118012019He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.
118012020He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.
118012021He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.
118012022He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.
118012023He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
118012024He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
118012025They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.
118013000CHAPTER 13 Job testifies of his confidence in the Lord, and says: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him; and, He also shall be my salvation.
118013001Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it.
118013002What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you.
118013003Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
118013004But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value.
118013005O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.
118013006Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips."î
118013007Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?
118013008Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?
118013009Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?
118013010He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.
118013011Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?
118013012Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.
118013013Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.
118013014Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?
118013015Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
118013016He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
118013017Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.
118013018Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.
118013019Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.
118013020Only do not two things unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.
118013021Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid.
118013022Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.
118013023How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.
118013024Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?
118013025Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
118013026For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth.
118013027Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.
118013028And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.
118014000CHAPTER 14 Job testifies of the shortness of life, the certainty of death, and the guarantee of a resurrection--He asks: If a man die, shall he live again?--He answers that he will await the Lord's call to come forth from the grave.
118014001Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
118014002He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
118014003And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?
118014004Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
118014005Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
118014006Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.
118014007For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
118014008Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;
118014009Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
118014010But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?
118014011As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
118014012So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
118014013O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
118014014If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
118014015Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
118014016For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin?
118014017My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.
118014018And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.
118014019The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.
118014020Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
118014021His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.
118014022But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
118015000CHAPTER 15 Eliphaz sets forth the disquietude of wicked men--They do not believe they shall return out of darkness and be resurrected.
118015001Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,
118015002Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?
118015003Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
118015004Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.
118015005For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
118015006Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee.
118015007Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
118015008Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
118015009What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us?
118015010With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.
118015011Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?
118015012Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,
118015013That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?
118015014What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
118015015Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight.
118015016How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?
118015017I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare;
118015018Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it:
118015019Unto whom alone the earth was given, and no stranger passed among them.
118015020The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
118015021A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
118015022He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
118015023He wandereth abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.
118015024Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
118015025For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.
118015026He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
118015027Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks.
118015028And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.
118015029He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.
118015030He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.
118015031Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.
118015032It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green.
118015033He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.
118015034For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.
118015035They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.
118016000CHAPTER 16 Job bewails against the wicked who oppose him--Though even his friends scorn him, he testifies that his witness is in heaven and his record is on high.
118016001Then Job answered and said,
118016002I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
118016003Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
118016004I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
118016005But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
118016006Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
118016007But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.
118016008And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.
118016009He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
118016010They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.
118016011God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.
118016012I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.
118016013His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.
118016014He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.
118016015I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.
118016016My face is foul with weeping, and my eyelids is the shadow of death;
118016017Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
118016018O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.
118016019Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
118016020My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
118016021O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
118016022When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
118017000CHAPTER 17 Job speaks of the sorrow of death and of the grave in that day when the body returns to the dust.
118017001My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.
118017002Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?
118017003Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?
118017004For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.
118017005He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
118017006He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.
118017007Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
118017008Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
118017009The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
118017010But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
118017011My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
118017012They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
118017013If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
118017014I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou are my mother, and my sister.
118017015And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
118017016They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.
118018000CHAPTER 18 Bildad tells of the damned state of the wicked who know not God.
118018001Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
118018002How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.
118018003Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?
118018004He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?
118018005Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
118018006The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.
118018007The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
118018008For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.
118018009The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.
118018010The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.
118018011Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
118018012His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.
118018013It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.
118018014His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.
118018015It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because it is none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.
118018016His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.
118018017His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.
118018018He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.
118018019He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.
118018020They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.
118018021Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.
118019000CHAPTER 19 Job tells of the ills that have befallen him, and then testifies: I know that my Redeemer liveth--He prophesies fo his own resurrection and that in his flesh he shall see God.
118019001Then Job answered and said,
118019002How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?
118019003These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
118019004And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.
118019005If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:
118019006Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.
118019007Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.
118019008He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
118019009He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.
118019010He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.
118019011He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.
118019012His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.
118019013He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.
118019014My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
118019015They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.
118019016I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
118019017My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body.
118019018Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.
118019019All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.
118019020My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
118019021Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
118019022Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?
118019023Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
118019024That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
118019025For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
118019026And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
118019027Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
118019028But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
118019029Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.
118020000CHAPTER 20 Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked--He says: The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.
118020001Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
118020002Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.
118020003I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
118020004Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
118020005That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
118020006Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;
118020007Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?
118020008He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
118020009The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.
118020010His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.
118020011His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.
118020012Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;
118020013Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
118020014Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.
118020015He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.
118020016He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.
118020017He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
118020018That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.
118020019Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
118020020Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.
118020021There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.
118020022In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.
118020023When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating.
118020024He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.
118020025It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him.
118020026All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
118020027The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him.
118020028The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
118020029This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.
118021000CHAPTER 21 Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life--Then he testifies that their judgment shall be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction.
118021001But Job answered and said,
118021002Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.
118021003Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.
118021004As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
118021005Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.
118021006Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
118021007Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?
118021008Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
118021009Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.
118021010Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.
118021011They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.
118021012They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
118021013They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.
118021014Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
118021015What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
118021016Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
118021017How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
118021018They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
118021019God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
118021020His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
118021021For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?
118021022Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.
118021023One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
118021024His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.
118021025And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.
118021026They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
118021027Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
118021028For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked?
118021029Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,
118021030That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.
118021031Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?
118021032Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.
118021033The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
118021034How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?
118022000CHAPTER 22 Eliphaz accuse Job of divers sins and exhorts him to repent.
118022001Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
118022002Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
118022003Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect?
118022004Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?
118022005Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?
118022006For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
118022007Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
118022008But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it.
118022009Thou has sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
118022010Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
118022011Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
118022012Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
118022013And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
118022014Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.
118022015Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?
118022016Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:
118022017Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?
118022018Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
118022019The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.
118022020Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
118022021Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
118022022Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
118022023If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
118022024Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
118022025Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
118022026For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
118022027Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
118022028Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
118022029When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
118022030He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
118023000CHAPTER 23 Job seeks the Lord and asserts his own righteousness--He says: When the Lord has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
118023001Then Job answered and said,
118023002Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
118023003Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
118023004I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
118023005I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
118023006Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
118023007There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
118023008Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
118023009On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
118023010But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
118023011My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
118023012Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
118023013But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
118023014For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
118023015Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
118023016For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
118023017Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
118024000CHAPTER 24 Murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked people in general often go unpunished.
118024001Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?
118024002Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.
118024003They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.
118024004They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
118024005Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.
118024006They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked.
118024007They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold.
118024008They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
118024009They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.
118024010They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry;
118024011Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.
118024012Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly to them.
118024013They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.
118024014The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.
118024015The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.
118024016In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.
118024017For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
118024018He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.
118024019Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.
118024020The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.
118024021He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
118024022He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life.
118024023Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.
118024024They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.
118024025And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?
118025000CHAPTER 25 Bildad bemoans the lowly state of man and classifies him as a worm.
118025001Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
118025002Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
118025003Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?
118025004How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
118025005Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.
118025006How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
118026000CHAPTER 26 Job reproves Bildad's lack of empathy--He extols the power and greatness and strength of the Lord.
118026001But Job answered and said,
118026002How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
118026003How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
118026004To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
118026005Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
118026006Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
118026007He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing."i
118026008He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
118026009He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.
118026010He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
118026011The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
118026012He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
118026013By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
118026014Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
118027000CHAPTER 27 Job asserts his righteousness--When the wicked are buried in death, terrors shall take hold on them.
118027001Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
118027002As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;
118027003All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
118027004My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
118027005God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
118027006My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
118027007Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.
118027008For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?
118027009Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
118027010Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
118027011I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.
118027012Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?
118027013This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.
118027014If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.
118027015Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.
118027016Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
118027017He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
118027018He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.
118027019The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not.
118027020Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.
118027021The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.
118027022For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
118027023Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.
118028000CHAPTER 28 Wealth comes out of the earth--Wisdom cannot be purchased--The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.
118028001Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
118028002Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.
118028003He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.
118028004The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.
118028005As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.
118028006The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.
118028007There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:
118028008The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
118028009He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.
118028010He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing.
118028011He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.
118028012But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
118028013Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.
118028014The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.
118028015It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
118028016It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.
118028017The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.
118028018No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
118028019The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.
118028020Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
118028021Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
118028022Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
118028023God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
118028024For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;
118028025To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.
118028026When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
118028027Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.
118028028And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
118029000CHAPTER 29 Job recalls his former prosperity and greatness--He was blessed because of his righteousness, his charity, and his good deeds.
118029001Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
118029002Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
118029003When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
118029004As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
118029005When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
118029006When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
118029007When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
118029008The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
118029009The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
118029010The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
118029011When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
118029012Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
118029013The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
118029014I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
118029015I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
118029016I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
118029017And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
118029018Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
118029019My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
118029020My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
118029021Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
118029022After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
118029023And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
118029024If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
118029025I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
118030000CHAPTER 30 Job is derided by the children of vile and base men--In his afflicted state Job cries to the Lord--He says that he wept for those in trouble.
118030001But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
118030002Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished?
118030003For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste.
118030004Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat.
118030005They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;)
118030006To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.
118030007Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.
118030008They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth.
118030009And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
118030010They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face.
118030011Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me.
118030012Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction.
118030013They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper.
118030014They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.
118030015Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
118030016And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.
118030017My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.
118030018By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat.
118030019He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.
118030020I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
118030021Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me.
118030022Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance.
118030023For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.
118030024Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction.
118030025Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
118030026When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
118030027My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me.
118030028I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation.
118030029I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls.
118030030My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.
118030031My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.
118031000CHAPTER 31 Job invites judgment so that God may know his integrity--If he has done ill, he welcomes the penalties for such.
118031001I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
118031002For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
118031003Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
118031004Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
118031005If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
118031006Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
118031007If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
118031008Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
118031009If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;
118031010Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
118031011For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
118031012For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
118031013If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
118031014What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
118031015Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
118031016If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
118031017Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
118031018(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)
118031019If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
118031020If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
118031021If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
118031022Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
118031023For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
118031024If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
118031025If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
118031026If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
118031027And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
118031028This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
118031029If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
118031030Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
118031031If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
118031032The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
118031033If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
118031034Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
118031035Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
118031036Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
118031037I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
118031038If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
118031039If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
118031040Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
118032000CHAPTER 32 Elihu, in anger, answers Job and his three friends--He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise.
118032001So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
118032002Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
118032003Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
118032004Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
118032005When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
118032006And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
118032007I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
118032008But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
118032009Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
118032010Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
118032011Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
118032012Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
118032013Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
118032014Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
118032015They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
118032016When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
118032017I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
118032018For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
118032019Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
118032020I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
118032021Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
118032022For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
118033000CHAPTER 33 Elihu says: God is greater than man--He speaks to man in dreams and visions--He ransoms those cast into the pit--He delivers their souls and gives them life.
118033001Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
118033002Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
118033003My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
118033004The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
118033005If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
118033006Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
118033007Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
118033008Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
118033009I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
118033010Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
118033011He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
118033012Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
118033013Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
118033014For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
118033015In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
118033016Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
118033017That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
118033018He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
118033019He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
118033020So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.
118033021His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
118033022Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
118033023If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
118033024Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
118033025His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:
118033026He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
118033027He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
118033028He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
118033029Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
118033030To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
118033031Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
118033032If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
118033033If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
118034000CHAPTER 34 Eluhu teaches: God cannot be unjust, nor commit iniquity, nor pervert judgment, nor respect persons--Man should bear chastisement and do iniquity no more.
118034001Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
118034002Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
118034003For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
118034004Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
118034005For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
118034006Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
118034007What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
118034008Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
118034009For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
118034010Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
118034011For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
118034012Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
118034013Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
118034014If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
118034015All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
118034016If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
118034017Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
118034018Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
118034019How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
118034020In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
118034021For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
118034022There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
118034023For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
118034024He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
118034025Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
118034026He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
118034027Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
118034028So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
118034029When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
118034030That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
118034031Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
118034032That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
118034033Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
118034034Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
118034035Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
118034036My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
118034037For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
118035000CHAPTER 35 Elihu contrasts weakness of man and the power of God--Our wickedness hurts other men, and our righteousness helps them--Man should trust in the Lord.
118035001Elihu spake moreover, and said,
118035002Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
118035003For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
118035004I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.
118035005Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
118035006If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
118035007If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?
118035008Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
118035009By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
118035010But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
118035011Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
118035012There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
118035013Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.
118035014Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.
118035015But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
118035016Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
118036000CHAPTER 36 Those who are righteous are prospered--The wicked perish and die without knowledge--Greatness of God extolled.
118036001Elihu also proceeded, and said,
118036002Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
118036003I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
118036004For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
118036005Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
118036006He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.
118036007He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
118036008And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
118036009Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
118036010He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
118036011If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
118036012But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
118036013But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
118036014They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.
118036015He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
118036016Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
118036017But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.
118036018Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
118036019Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.
118036020Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.
118036021Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
118036022Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
118036023Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
118036024Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
118036025Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.
118036026Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
118036027For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
118036028Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
118036029Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
118036030Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
118036031For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
118036032With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
118036033The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
118037000CHAPTER 37 The Lord controls the laws of nature--God reigns in terrible majesty.
118037001At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
118037002Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
118037003He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
118037004After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
118037005God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
118037006For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
118037007He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
118037008Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
118037009Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
118037010By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
118037011Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
118037012And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
118037013He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
118037014Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
118037015Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
118037016Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
118037017How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
118037018Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
118037019Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
118037020Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
118037021And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
118037022Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
118037023Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
118037024Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
118038000CHAPTER 38 God asks Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy--The phenomena of nature show greatness of God and weakness of man.
118038001Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
118038002Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
118038003Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
118038004Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
118038005Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
118038006Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
118038007When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
118038008Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
118038009When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
118038010And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
118038011And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
118038012Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place;
118038013That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
118038014It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
118038015And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
118038016Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
118038017Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
118038018Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
118038019Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
118038020That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
118038021Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
118038022Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
118038023Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
118038024By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
118038025Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;
118038026To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;
118038027To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
118038028Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
118038029Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
118038030The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.
118038031Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
118038032Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
118038033Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
118038034Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
118038035Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?
118038036Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
118038037Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven,
118038038When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
118038039Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
118038040When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?
118038041Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
118039000CHAPTER 39 Man's weakness and ignorance compared with God's mighty works--Does man even know how the laws of nature operate?
118039001Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
118039002Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
118039003They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows.
118039004Their young ones are in good liking, they grow up with corn; they go forth, and return not unto them.
118039005Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
118039006Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.
118039007He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.
118039008The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searcheth after every green thing.
118039009Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
118039010Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?
118039011Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?
118039012Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
118039013Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
118039014Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
118039015And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
118039016She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;
118039017Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
118039018What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
118039019Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?
118039020Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible.
118039021He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.
118039022He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.
118039023The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield.
118039024He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.
118039025He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.
118039026Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
118039027Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
118039028She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.
118039029From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off.
118039030Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.
118040000CHAPTER 40 The Lord challenges Job, and Job replies humbly--The Lord speaks of his power to Job--He asks: Hast thou an arm like God?--He points to his power in behemoth.
118040001Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
118040002Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
118040003Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
118040004Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
118040005Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
118040006Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
118040007Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
118040008Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
118040009Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
118040010Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
118040011Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
118040012Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
118040013Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
118040014Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.
118040015Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.
118040016Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.
118040017He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.
118040018His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.
118040019He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him.
118040020Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.
118040021He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens.
118040022The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about.
118040023Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.
118040024He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares.
118041000CHAPTER 41 The Lord points to his power in leviathan--All things under the whole heavens are the Lord's.
118041001Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?
118041002Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?
118041003Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?
118041004Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?
118041005Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?
118041006Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants?
118041007Canst thou fill his skin with barbed iron? or his head with fish spears?
118041008Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more.
118041009Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?
118041010None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me?
118041011Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.
118041012I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.
118041013Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle?
118041014Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.
118041015His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.
118041016One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
118041017They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered.
118041018By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.
118041019Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out.
118041020Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron.
118041021His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.
118041022In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.
118041023The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved.
118041024His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
118041025When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves.
118041026The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon.
118041027He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.
118041028The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble.
118041029Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear.
118041030Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire.
118041031He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment.
118041032He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.
118041033Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.
118041034He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
118042000CHAPTER 42 Job repents in dust and ashes--He sees the Lord with his eyes--The Lord chastises Job's friends, accepts him, and blesses him, and makes his latter end greater than his beginning.
118042001Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
118042002I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
118042003Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
118042004Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
118042005I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
118042006Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
118042007And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
118042008Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
118042009So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
118042010And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
118042011Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
118042012So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
118042013He had also seven sons and three daughters.
118042014And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.
118042015And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
118042016After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.
118042017So Job died, being old and full of days.