Job and His Family in Uz

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.

Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, And whom God has hedged in?

Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands.

‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker?

For wrath kills a foolish man, And envy slays a simple one.

Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.

“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

You shall also know that your descendants shall be many, And your offspring like the grass of the earth.

Job: My Suffering Is Comfortless

“Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?

Like a servant who earnestly desires the shade, And like a hired man who eagerly looks for his wages,

“What is man, that You should exalt him, That You should set Your heart on him,

“Truly I know it is so, But how can a man be righteous before God?

“For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together.

Do You have eyes of flesh? Or do You see as man sees?

Are Your days like the days of a mortal man? Are Your years like the days of a mighty man,

“Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?

For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor.

In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?

If He breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt; If He imprisons a man, there can be no release.

They grope in the dark without light, And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.