While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The fire of God (lightning) has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and have taken them away and have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered and reflected on My servant Job? For there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God [with reverence] and abstains from and turns away from evil [because he honors God]. And still he maintains and holds tightly to his integrity, although you incited Me against him to destroy him without cause.”

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still cling to your integrity [and your faith and trust in God, without blaming Him]? Curse God and die!”

“I am not at ease, nor am I quiet, And I am not at rest, and yet trouble still comes [upon me].”

“The spirit stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes; There was silence, and then I heard a voice, saying:

“Then I would still have consolation, And I would jump for joy amid unsparing pain, That I have not denied or hidden the words of the Holy One.

“Turn away [from your suspicion], let there be no injustice; Turn away, my righteousness and vindication is still in it.

“While it is still green (in flower) and not cut down, Yet it withers before any other plant [when without water].

You would still plunge me into the pit, And my own clothes would hate me [and refuse to cover my foul body].

“It will be fulfilled while he still lives, And his branch will not be green [but shall wither away].

“Why do the wicked still live, Become old, and become mighty in power?

As long as my life is within me, And the breath of God is [still] in my nostrils,

When the Almighty was still with me And my boys were around me,

“And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?

“Listen to this, Job; Stand still and consider the wonders of God.

“With fierceness and rage he races to devour the ground, And he does not stand still at the sound of the [war] trumpet.