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.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.

But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

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!”

and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

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.”

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life.

But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

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.

That day—may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.

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

“If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking?

At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.

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

If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error,

“Call if you will, but who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will touch you.

In famine he will deliver you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword.

You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.