While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three units and made a raid on the camels and took them, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,

But he said to her, “You are speaking as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” Despite all this, Job did not sin with his lips.

Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

“If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?

“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Then I would speak and not fear Him; But I am not like that in myself.

Job Despairs of God’s Dealings

“I am disgusted with my own life; I will express my complaint freely; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

But if only God would speak, And open His lips against you,

Or speak to the earth, and have it teach you; And have the fish of the sea tell you.

Job Speaks of the Power of God

“Wisdom and might are with Him; Advice and understanding belong to Him.

“But I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to argue with God.

Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him?

Job Is Sure He Will Be Vindicated

“Be silent before me so that I may speak; Then let come upon me what may.

Then call and I will answer; Or let me speak, then reply to me.

Job Speaks of the Finality of Death

“Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil.

Are the consolations of God too little for you, Or the word spoken gently to you?

I too could speak like you, If only I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you.

Job Says God Shattered Him

“If I speak, my pain is not lessened, And if I refrain, what pain leaves me?

Bildad Speaks of the Wicked

Then Bildad the Shuhite responded,

Even young children despise me; I stand up and they speak against me.

Bear with me that I may speak; Then after I have spoken, you may mock me.

When they have brought you low, you will speak with confidence, And He will save the humble person.

My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, Nor will my tongue mutter deceit.