and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

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!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

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

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul,

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

I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

“If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales!

that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut off my life!

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

Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.

I despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning.

for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.

Surely its life withers away, and from the soil other plants grow.

Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.

“Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

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.

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

If only I had never come into being, or had been carried straight from the womb to the grave!

You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.

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

“Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!