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Prologue
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
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When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
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Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
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“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.
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While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
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In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
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Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”
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His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”
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He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
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That day—may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.
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Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?
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At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.
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‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker?
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If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error,
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“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.
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“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
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The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors are marshaled against me.
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“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,
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that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut off my life!
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Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.
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Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
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But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty,
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Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.
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“Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers.
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“Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God?