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.

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.

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.”

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.”

May its morning stars become dark; may it wait for daylight in vain and not see the first rays of dawn,

Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?

There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest.

The small and the great are there, and the slaves are freed from their owners.

Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the sap of the mallow?

They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.

Is there any wickedness on my lips? Can my mouth not discern malice?

Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired laborer waiting to be paid,

“Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

that you examine them every morning and test them every moment?

Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water?

If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together,

“I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.

Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

If he holds back the waters, there is drought; if he lets them loose, they devastate the land.

“At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.

You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore you will not let them triumph.

“Though I cry, ‘Violence!’ I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.

you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgment.”

There the upright can establish their innocence before him, and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.