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.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

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!”

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.”

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

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.

“May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’

Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day?

“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?

For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.

Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

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

You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

You will know that your children will be many, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.

You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season.

“We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself.”

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

Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze?

Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.

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

“Do not mortals have hard service on earth? Are not their days like those of hired laborers?

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

My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering.

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