Job 36

International Standard Version

² “Be patient with me a moment longer,
    and I’ll show you that there’s more to say on God’s behalf.
³ I’ll take what I know to its logical conclusion^[a]
    and ascribe righteousness to my Creator,
⁴ because what I have to say isn’t deceptive,
    and the one who has perfect knowledge is with you.”

⁸ “If they’re bound in chains,
    caught in ropes of affliction,
⁹ he’ll reveal their actions to them,
    when their transgressions have become excessive.
¹⁰ He opens their ears and instructs them,
    commanding them to repent from evil.
¹¹ If they listen and serve him,^[b]
    they’ll finish^[c] their lives in prosperity
        and their years will be pleasant.

¹² “But if they won’t listen,
    they’ll perish^[d] by the sword
        and die in their ignorance.
¹³ The godless at heart cherish^[e] anger;
    they won’t cry out for help when God^[f] afflicts^[g] them.
¹⁴ They^[h] die in their youth;
    and their life will end^[i] among temple prostitutes.
¹⁵ He’ll deliver the afflicted through their afflictions
    and open their ears when they are oppressed.”

¹⁹ “Will your wealth sustain you when you’re in distress,
    despite your most powerful efforts?^[l]
20 Don’t long for night,
    when people vanish^[m] in their place.
²¹ Be careful! Don’t turn to evil,
    because of this you will be tried by more than affliction.

²² “Indeed, God is exalted in his power.
    Who is like him as a teacher?
²³ Who ordained his path for him,
    and who has asked him, ‘You are wrong, aren’t you?’
²⁴ Remember to magnify his awesome activities,
    about which mortal man has sung.
²⁵ All of mankind sees him;
    human beings observe him from afar off.”

²⁹ “Furthermore, can anyone understand cloud patterns,
    or the thundering in his pavilion?
³⁰ He scatters his lightning above it,
    and covers the bottom^[q] of the sea.
³¹ He uses them to judge some people
    and give food to many.
³² His hands are covered with lightning
    that he commands to strike his designated target.
³³ His thunder^[r] declares his presence;
    and tells the animals what is coming.”