GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:18urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:18There was a man in the land of Uz , whose name was Job ; and that man was perfect and upright , and one that feared God , and eschewed evil . And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters . His substance also was seven thousand sheep , and three thousand camels , and five hundred yoke of oxen , and five hundred she asses , and a very great household ; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east . And his sons went and feasted in their houses , every one his day ; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them . And it was so , when the days of their feasting were gone about , that Job sent and sanctified them , and rose up early in the morning , and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all : for Job said , It may be that my sons have sinned , and cursed God in their hearts . Thus did Job continually . Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan came also among them . And the LORD said unto Satan , Whence comest thou ? Then Satan answered the LORD , and said , From going to and fro in the earth , and from walking up and down in it . And the LORD said unto Satan , Hast thou considered my servant Job , that there is none like him in the earth , a perfect and an upright man , one that feareth God , and escheweth evil ? Then Satan answered the LORD , and said , Doth Job fear God for nought ? Hast not thou made an hedge about him , and about his house , and about all that he hath on every side ? thou hast blessed the work of his hands , and his substance is increased in the land . But put forth thine hand now , and touch all that he hath , and he will curse thee to thy face . And the LORD said unto Satan , Behold , all that he hath is in thy power ; only upon himself put not forth thine hand . So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD . And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house : And there came a messenger unto Job , and said , The oxen were plowing , and the asses feeding beside them : And the Sabeans fell upon them , and took them away ; yea , they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee . While he was yet speaking , there came also another , and said , The fire of God is fallen from heaven , and hath burned up the sheep , and the servants , and consumed them ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee . While he was yet speaking , there came also another , and said , The Chaldeans made out three bands , and fell upon the camels , and have carried them away , yea , and slain the servants with the edge of the sword ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee . While he was yet speaking , there came also another , and said , Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house : And , behold , there came a great wind from the wilderness , and smote the four corners of the house , and it fell upon the young men , and they are dead ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee . Then Job arose , and rent his mantle , and shaved his head , and fell down upon the ground , and worshipped , And said , Naked came I out of my mother's womb , and naked shall I return thither : the LORD gave , and the LORD hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the LORD . In all this Job sinned not , nor charged God foolishly . Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD . And the LORD said unto Satan , From whence comest thou ? And Satan answered the LORD , and said , From going to and fro in the earth , and from walking up and down in it . And the LORD said unto Satan , Hast thou considered my servant Job , that there is none like him in the earth , a perfect and an upright man , one that feareth God , and escheweth evil ? and still he holdeth fast his integrity , although thou movedst me against him , to destroy him without cause . And Satan answered the LORD , and said , Skin for skin , yea , all that a man hath will he give for his life . But put forth thine hand now , and touch his bone and his flesh , and he will curse thee to thy face . And the LORD said unto Satan , Behold , he is in thine hand ; but save his life . So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD , and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown . And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal ; and he sat down among the ashes . Then said his wife unto him , Dost thou still retain thine integrity ? curse God , and die . But he said unto her , Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh . What ? shall we receive good at the hand of God , and shall we not receive evil ? In all this did not Job sin with his lips . Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him , they came every one from his own place ; Eliphaz the Temanite , and Bildad the Shuhite , and Zophar the Naamathite : for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him . And when they lifted up their eyes afar off , and knew him not , they lifted up their voice , and wept ; and they rent every one his mantle , and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven . So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights , and none spake a word unto him : for they saw that his grief was very great . After this opened Job his mouth , and cursed his day . And Job spake , and said , Let the day perish wherein I was born , and the night in which it was said , There is a man child conceived . Let that day be darkness ; let not God regard it from above , neither let the light shine upon it . Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it ; let a cloud dwell upon it ; let the blackness of the day terrify it . As for that night , let darkness seize upon it ; let it not be joined unto the days of the year , let it not come into the number of the months . Lo , let that night be solitary , let no joyful voice come therein . Let them curse it that curse the day , who are ready to raise up their mourning . Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark ; let it look for light , but have none ; neither let it see the dawning of the day : Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb , nor hid sorrow from mine eyes . Why died I not from the womb ? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly ? Why did the knees prevent me ? or why the breasts that I should suck ? For now should I have lain still and been quiet , I should have slept : then had I been at rest , With kings and counsellers of the earth , which built desolate places for themselves ; Or with princes that had gold , who filled their houses with silver : Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been ; as infants which never saw light . There the wicked cease from troubling ; and there the weary be at rest . There the prisoners rest together ; they hear not the voice of the oppressor . The small and great are there ; and the servant is free from his master . Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery , and life unto the bitter in soul ; Which long for death , but it cometh not ; and dig for it more than for hid treasures ; Which rejoice exceedingly , and are glad , when they can find the grave ? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid , and whom God hath hedged in ? For my sighing cometh before I eat , and my roarings are poured out like the waters . For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me , and that which I was afraid of is come unto me . I was not in safety , neither had I rest , neither was I quiet ; yet trouble came . Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said , If we assay to commune with thee , wilt thou be grieved ? but who can withhold himself from speaking ? Behold , thou hast instructed many , and thou hast strengthened the weak hands . Thy words have upholden him that was falling , and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees . But now it is come upon thee , and thou faintest ; it toucheth thee , and thou art troubled . Is not this thy fear , thy confidence , thy hope , and the uprightness of thy ways ? Remember , I pray thee , who ever perished , being innocent ? or where were the righteous cut off ? Even as I have seen , they that plow iniquity , and sow wickedness , reap the same . By the blast of God they perish , and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed . The roaring of the lion , and the voice of the fierce lion , and the teeth of the young lions , are broken . The old lion perisheth for lack of prey , and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad . Now a thing was secretly brought to me , and mine ear received a little thereof . In thoughts from the visions of the night , when deep sleep falleth on men , Fear came upon me , and trembling , which made all my bones to shake . Then a spirit passed before my face ; the hair of my flesh stood up : It stood still , but I could not discern the form thereof : an image was before mine eyes , there was silence , and I heard a voice , saying , Shall mortal man be more just than God ? shall a man be more pure than his maker ? Behold , he put no trust in his servants ; and his angels he charged with folly : How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay , whose foundation is in the dust , which are crushed before the moth ? They are destroyed from morning to evening : they perish for ever without any regarding it . Doth not their excellency which is in them go away ? they die , even without wisdom . Call now , if there be any that will answer thee ; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn ? For wrath killeth the foolish man , and envy slayeth the silly one . I have seen the foolish taking root : but suddenly I cursed his habitation . His children are far from safety , and they are crushed in the gate , neither is there any to deliver them . Whose harvest the hungry eateth up , and taketh it even out of the thorns , and the robber swalloweth up their substance . Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust , neither doth trouble spring out of the ground ; Yet man is born unto trouble , as the sparks fly upward . I would seek unto God , and unto God would I commit my cause : Which doeth great things and unsearchable ; marvellous things without number : Who giveth rain upon the earth , and sendeth waters upon the fields : To set up on high those that be low ; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety . He disappointeth the devices of the crafty , so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise . He taketh the wise in their own craftiness : and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong . They meet with darkness in the daytime , and grope in the noonday as in the night . But he saveth the poor from the sword , from their mouth , and from the hand of the mighty . So the poor hath hope , and iniquity stoppeth her mouth . Behold , happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty : For he maketh sore , and bindeth up : he woundeth , and his hands make whole . He shall deliver thee in six troubles : yea , in seven there shall no evil touch thee . In famine he shall redeem thee from death : and in war from the power of the sword . Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue : neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh . At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh : neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth . For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field : and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee . And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace ; and thou shalt visit thy habitation , and shalt not sin . Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great , and thine offspring as the grass of the earth . Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age , like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season . Lo this , we have searched it , so it is ; hear it , and know thou it for thy good . But Job answered and said , Oh that my grief were throughly weighed , and my calamity laid in the balances together ! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea : therefore my words are swallowed up . For the arrows of the Almighty are within me , the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit : the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me . Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass ? or loweth the ox over his fodder ? Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt ? or is there any taste in the white of an egg ? The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat . Oh that I might have my request ; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for ! Even that it would please God to destroy me ; that he would let loose his hand , and cut me off ! Then should I yet have comfort ; yea , I would harden myself in sorrow : let him not spare ; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One . What is my strength , that I should hope ? and what is mine end , that I should prolong my life ? Is my strength the strength of stones ? or is my flesh of brass ? Is not my help in me ? and is wisdom driven quite from me ? To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend ; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty . My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook , and as the stream of brooks they pass away ; Which are blackish by reason of the ice , and wherein the snow is hid : What time they wax warm , they vanish : when it is hot , they are consumed out of their place . The paths of their way are turned aside ; they go to nothing , and perish . The troops of Tema looked , the companies of Sheba waited for them . They were confounded because they had hoped ; they came thither , and were ashamed . For now ye are nothing ; ye see my casting down , and are afraid . Did I say , Bring unto me ? or , Give a reward for me of your substance ? Or , Deliver me from the enemy's hand ? or , Redeem me from the hand of the mighty ? Teach me , and I will hold my tongue : and cause me to understand wherein I have erred . How forcible are right words ! but what doth your arguing reprove ? Do ye imagine to reprove words , and the speeches of one that is desperate , which are as wind ? Yea , ye overwhelm the fatherless , and ye dig a pit for your friend . Now therefore be content , look upon me ; for it is evident unto you if I lie . Return , I pray you , let it not be iniquity ; yea , return again , my righteousness is in it . Is there iniquity in my tongue ? cannot my taste discern perverse things ? Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth ? are not his days also like the days of an hireling ? As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow , and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work : So am I made to possess months of vanity , and wearisome nights are appointed to me . When I lie down , I say , When shall I arise , and the night be gone ? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day . My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust ; my skin is broken , and become loathsome . My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle , and are spent without hope . O remember that my life is wind : mine eye shall no more see good . The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more : thine eyes are upon me , and I am not . As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away : so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more . He shall return no more to his house , neither shall his place know him any more . Therefore I will not refrain my mouth ; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit ; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul . Am I a sea , or a whale , that thou settest a watch over me ? When I say , My bed shall comfort me , my couch shall ease my complaint ; Then thou scarest me with dreams , and terrifiest me through visions : So that my soul chooseth strangling , and death rather than my life . I loathe it ; I would not live alway : let me alone ; for my days are vanity . What is man , that thou shouldest magnify him ? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him ? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning , and try him every moment ? How long wilt thou not depart from me , nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle ? I have sinned ; what shall I do unto thee , O thou preserver of men ? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee , so that I am a burden to myself ? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression , and take away mine iniquity ? for now shall I sleep in the dust ; and thou shalt seek me in the morning , but I shall not be . Then answered Bildad the Shuhite , and said , How long wilt thou speak these things ? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind ? Doth God pervert judgment ? or doth the Almighty pervert justice ? If thy children have sinned against him , and he have cast them away for their transgression ; If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes , and make thy supplication to the Almighty ; If thou wert pure and upright ; surely now he would awake for thee , and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous . Though thy beginning was small , yet thy latter end should greatly increase . For inquire , I pray thee , of the former age , and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers : ( For we are but of yesterday , and know nothing , because our days upon earth are a shadow : ) Shall not they teach thee , and tell thee , and utter words out of their heart ? Can the rush grow up without mire ? can the flag grow without water ? Whilst it is yet in his greenness , and not cut down , it withereth before any other herb . So are the paths of all that forget God ; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish : Whose hope shall be cut off , and whose trust shall be a spider's web . He shall lean upon his house , but it shall not stand : he shall hold it fast , but it shall not endure . He is green before the sun , and his branch shooteth forth in his garden . His roots are wrapped about the heap , and seeth the place of stones . If he destroy him from his place , then it shall deny him , saying , I have not seen thee . Behold , this is the joy of his way , and out of the earth shall others grow . Behold , God will not cast away a perfect man , neither will he help the evil doers : Till he fill thy mouth with laughing , and thy lips with rejoicing . They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame ; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought . Then Job answered and said , I know it is so of a truth : but how should man be just with God ? If he will contend with him , he cannot answer him one of a thousand . He is wise in heart , and mighty in strength : who hath hardened himself against him , and hath prospered ? Which removeth the mountains , and they know not : which overturneth them in his anger . Which shaketh the earth out of her place , and the pillars thereof tremble . Which commandeth the sun , and it riseth not ; and sealeth up the stars . Which alone spreadeth out the heavens , and treadeth upon the waves of the sea . Which maketh Arcturus , Orion , and Pleiades , and the chambers of the south . Which doeth great things past finding out ; yea , and wonders without number . Lo , he goeth by me , and I see him not : he passeth on also , but I perceive him not . Behold , he taketh away , who can hinder him ? who will say unto him , What doest thou ? If God will not withdraw his anger , the proud helpers do stoop under him . How much less shall I answer him , and choose out my words to reason with him ? Whom , though I were righteous , yet would I not answer , but I would make supplication to my judge . If I had called , and he had answered me ; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice . For he breaketh me with a tempest , and multiplieth my wounds without cause . He will not suffer me to take my breath , but filleth me with bitterness . If I speak of strength , lo , he is strong : and if of judgment , who shall set me a time to plead ? If I justify myself , mine own mouth shall condemn me : if I say , I am perfect , it shall also prove me perverse . Though I were perfect , yet would I not know my soul : I would despise my life . This is one thing , therefore I said it , He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked . If the scourge slay suddenly , he will laugh at the trial of the innocent . The earth is given into the hand of the wicked : he covereth the faces of the judges thereof ; if not , where , and who is he ? Now my days are swifter than a post : they flee away , they see no good . They are passed away as the swift ships : as the eagle that hasteth to the prey . If I say , I will forget my complaint , I will leave off my heaviness , and comfort myself : I am afraid of all my sorrows , I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent . If I be wicked , why then labour I in vain ? If I wash myself with snow water , and make my hands never so clean ; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch , and mine own clothes shall abhor me . For he is not a man , as I am , that I should answer him , and we should come together in judgment . Neither is there any daysman betwixt us , that might lay his hand upon us both . Let him take his rod away from me , and let not his fear terrify me : Then would I speak , and not fear him ; but it is not so with me . My soul is weary of my life ; I will leave my complaint upon myself ; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul . I will say unto God , Do not condemn me ; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me . Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress , that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands , and shine upon the counsel of the wicked ? Hast thou eyes of flesh ? or seest thou as man seeth ? Are thy days as the days of man ? are thy years as man's days , That thou inquirest after mine iniquity , and searchest after my sin ? Thou knowest that I am not wicked ; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand . Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about ; yet thou dost destroy me . Remember , I beseech thee , that thou hast made me as the clay ; and wilt thou bring me into dust again ? Hast thou not poured me out as milk , and curdled me like cheese ? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh , and hast fenced me with bones and sinews . Thou hast granted me life and favour , and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit . And these things hast thou hid in thine heart : I know that this is with thee . If I sin , then thou markest me , and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity . If I be wicked , woe unto me ; and if I be righteous , yet will I not lift up my head . I am full of confusion ; therefore see thou mine affliction ; For it increaseth . Thou huntest me as a fierce lion : and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me . Thou renewest thy witnesses against me , and increasest thine indignation upon me ; changes and war are against me . Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb ? Oh that I had given up the ghost , and no eye had seen me ! I should have been as though I had not been ; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave . Are not my days few ? cease then , and let me alone , that I may take comfort a little , Before I go whence I shall not return , even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death ; A land of darkness , as darkness itself ; and of the shadow of death , without any order , and where the light is as darkness . Then answered Zophar the Naamathite , and said , Should not the multitude of words be answered ? and should a man full of talk be justified ? Should thy lies make men hold their peace ? and when thou mockest , shall no man make thee ashamed ? For thou hast said , My doctrine is pure , and I am clean in thine eyes . But oh that God would speak , and open his lips against thee ; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom , that they are double to that which is ! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth . Canst thou by searching find out God ? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection ? It is as high as heaven ; what canst thou do ? deeper than hell ; what canst thou know ? The measure thereof is longer than the earth , and broader than the sea . If he cut off , and shut up , or gather together , then who can hinder him ? For he knoweth vain men : he seeth wickedness also ; will he not then consider it ? For vain man would be wise , though man be born like a wild ass's colt . If thou prepare thine heart , and stretch out thine hands toward him ; If iniquity be in thine hand , put it far away , and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles . For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot ; yea , thou shalt be stedfast , and shalt not fear : Because thou shalt forget thy misery , and remember it as waters that pass away : And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday ; thou shalt shine forth , thou shalt be as the morning . And thou shalt be secure , because there is hope ; yea , thou shalt dig about thee , and thou shalt take thy rest in safety . Also thou shalt lie down , and none shall make thee afraid ; yea , many shall make suit unto thee . But the eyes of the wicked shall fail , and they shall not escape , and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost . And Job answered and said , No doubt but ye are the people , and wisdom shall die with you . But I have understanding as well as you ; I am not inferior to you : yea , who knoweth not such things as these ? I am as one mocked of his neighbour , who calleth upon God , and he answereth him : the just upright man is laughed to scorn . He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease . The tabernacles of robbers prosper , and they that provoke God are secure ; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly . But ask now the beasts , and they shall teach thee ; and the fowls of the air , and they shall tell thee : Or speak to the earth , and it shall teach thee : and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee . Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this ? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing , and the breath of all mankind . Doth not the ear try words ? and the mouth taste his meat ? With the ancient is wisdom ; and in length of days understanding . With him is wisdom and strength , he hath counsel and understanding . Behold , he breaketh down , and it cannot be built again : he shutteth up a man , and there can be no opening . Behold , he withholdeth the waters , and they dry up : also he sendeth them out , and they overturn the earth . With him is strength and wisdom : the deceived and the deceiver are his . He leadeth counsellers away spoiled , and maketh the judges fools . He looseth the bond of kings , and girdeth their loins with a girdle . He leadeth princes away spoiled , and overthroweth the mighty . He removeth away the speech of the trusty , and taketh away the understanding of the aged . He poureth contempt upon princes , and weakeneth the strength of the mighty . He discovereth deep things out of darkness , and bringeth out to light the shadow of death . He increaseth the nations , and destroyeth them : he enlargeth the nations , and straiteneth them again . He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth , and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way . They grope in the dark without light , and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man . Lo , mine eye hath seen all this , mine ear hath heard and understood it . What ye know , the same do I know also : I am not inferior unto you . Surely I would speak to the Almighty , and I desire to reason with God . But ye are forgers of lies , ye are all physicians of no value . O that ye would altogether hold your peace ! and it should be your wisdom . Hear now my reasoning , and hearken to the pleadings of my lips . Will ye speak wickedly for God ? and talk deceitfully for him ? Will ye accept his person ? will ye contend for God ? Is it good that he should search you out ? or as one man mocketh another , do ye so mock him ? He will surely reprove you , if ye do secretly accept persons . Shall not his excellency make you afraid ? and his dread fall upon you ? Your remembrances are like unto ashes , your bodies to bodies of clay . Hold your peace , let me alone , that I may speak , and let come on me what will . Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth , and put my life in mine hand ? Though he slay me , yet will I trust in him : but I will maintain mine own ways before him . He also shall be my salvation : for an hypocrite shall not come before him . Hear diligently my speech , and my declaration with your ears . Behold now , I have ordered my cause ; I know that I shall be justified . Who is he that will plead with me ? for now , if I hold my tongue , I shall give up the ghost . Only do not two things unto me : then will I not hide myself from thee . Withdraw thine hand far from me : and let not thy dread make me afraid . Then call thou , and I will answer : or let me speak , and answer thou me . How many are mine iniquities and sins ? make me to know my transgression and my sin . Wherefore hidest thou thy face , and holdest me for thine enemy ? Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro ? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble ? For thou writest bitter things against me , and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth . Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks , and lookest narrowly unto all my paths ; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet . And he , as a rotten thing , consumeth , as a garment that is moth eaten . Man that is born of a woman is of few days , and full of trouble . He cometh forth like a flower , and is cut down : he fleeth also as a shadow , and continueth not . And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one , and bringest me into judgment with thee ? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one . Seeing his days are determined , the number of his months are with thee , thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass ; Turn from him , that he may rest , till he shall accomplish , as an hireling , his day . For there is hope of a tree , if it be cut down , that it will sprout again , and that the tender branch thereof will not cease . Though the root thereof wax old in the earth , and the stock thereof die in the ground ; Yet through the scent of water it will bud , and bring forth boughs like a plant . But man dieth , and wasteth away : yea , man giveth up the ghost , and where is he ? As the waters fail from the sea , and the flood decayeth and drieth up : So man lieth down , and riseth not : till the heavens be no more , they shall not awake , nor be raised out of their sleep . O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave , that thou wouldest keep me secret , until thy wrath be past , that thou wouldest appoint me a set time , and remember me ! If a man die , shall he live again ? all the days of my appointed time will I wait , till my change come . Thou shalt call , and I will answer thee : thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands . For now thou numberest my steps : dost thou not watch over my sin ? My transgression is sealed up in a bag , and thou sewest up mine iniquity . And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought , and the rock is removed out of his place . The waters wear the stones : thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth ; and thou destroyest the hope of man . Thou prevailest for ever against him , and he passeth : thou changest his countenance , and sendest him away . His sons come to honour , and he knoweth it not ; and they are brought low , but he perceiveth it not of them . But his flesh upon him shall have pain , and his soul within him shall mourn . Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite , and said , Should a wise man utter vain knowledge , and fill his belly with the east wind ? Should he reason with unprofitable talk ? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good ? Yea , thou castest off fear , and restrainest prayer before God . For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity , and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty . Thine own mouth condemneth thee , and not I : yea , thine own lips testify against thee . Art thou the first man that was born ? or wast thou made before the hills ? Hast thou heard the secret of God ? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself ? What knowest thou , that we know not ? what understandest thou , which is not in us ? With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men , much elder than thy father . Are the consolations of God small with thee ? is there any secret thing with thee ? Why doth thine heart carry thee away ? and what do thy eyes wink at , That thou turnest thy spirit against God , and lettest such words go out of thy mouth ? What is man , that he should be clean ? and he which is born of a woman , that he should be righteous ? Behold , he putteth no trust in his saints ; yea , the heavens are not clean in his sight . How much more abominable and filthy is man , which drinketh iniquity like water ? I will shew thee , hear me ; and that which I have seen I will declare ; Which wise men have told from their fathers , and have not hid it : Unto whom alone the earth was given , and no stranger passed among them . The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days , and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor . A dreadful sound is in his ears : in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him . He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness , and he is waited for of the sword . He wandereth abroad for bread , saying , Where is it ? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand . Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid ; they shall prevail against him , as a king ready to the battle . For he stretcheth out his hand against God , and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty . He runneth upon him , even on his neck , upon the thick bosses of his bucklers : Because he covereth his face with his fatness , and maketh collops of fat on his flanks . And he dwelleth in desolate cities , and in houses which no man inhabiteth , which are ready to become heaps . He shall not be rich , neither shall his substance continue , neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth . He shall not depart out of darkness ; the flame shall dry up his branches , and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away . Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity : for vanity shall be his recompence . It shall be accomplished before his time , and his branch shall not be green . He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine , and shall cast off his flower as the olive . For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate , and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery . They conceive mischief , and bring forth vanity , and their belly prepareth deceit . Then Job answered and said , I have heard many such things : miserable comforters are ye all . Shall vain words have an end ? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest ? I also could speak as ye do : if your soul were in my soul's stead , I could heap up words against you , and shake mine head at you . But I would strengthen you with my mouth , and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief . Though I speak , my grief is not asswaged : and though I forbear , what am I eased ? But now he hath made me weary : thou hast made desolate all my company . And thou hast filled me with wrinkles , which is a witness against me : and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face . He teareth me in his wrath , who hateth me : he gnasheth upon me with his teeth ; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me . They have gaped upon me with their mouth ; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully ; they have gathered themselves together against me . God hath delivered me to the ungodly , and turned me over into the hands of the wicked . I was at ease , but he hath broken me asunder : he hath also taken me by my neck , and shaken me to pieces , and set me up for his mark . His archers compass me round about , he cleaveth my reins asunder , and doth not spare ; he poureth out my gall upon the ground . He breaketh me with breach upon breach , he runneth upon me like a giant . I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin , and defiled my horn in the dust . My face is foul with weeping , and my eyelids is the shadow of death ; Not for any injustice in mine hands : also my prayer is pure . O earth , cover not thou my blood , and let my cry have no place . Also now , behold , my witness is in heaven , and my record is on high . My friends scorn me : but mine eye poureth out tears unto God . O that one might plead for a man with God , as a man pleadeth for his neighbour ! When a few years are come , then I shall go the way whence I shall not return . My breath is corrupt , my days are extinct , the graves are ready for me . Are there not mockers with me ? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation ? Lay down now , put me in a surety with thee ; who is he that will strike hands with me ? For thou hast hid their heart from understanding : therefore shalt thou not exalt them . He that speaketh flattery to his friends , even the eyes of his children shall fail . He hath made me also a byword of the people ; and aforetime I was as a tabret . Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow , and all my members are as a shadow . Upright men shall be astonied at this , and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite . The righteous also shall hold on his way , and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger . But as for you all , do ye return , and come now : for I cannot find one wise man among you . My days are past , my purposes are broken off , even the thoughts of my heart . They change the night into day : the light is short because of darkness . If I wait , the grave is mine house : I have made my bed in the darkness . I have said to corruption , Thou art my father : to the worm , Thou are my mother , and my sister . And where is now my hope ? as for my hope , who shall see it ? They shall go down to the bars of the pit , when our rest together is in the dust . Then answered Bildad the Shuhite , and said , How long will it be ere ye make an end of words ? mark , and afterwards we will speak . Wherefore are we counted as beasts , and reputed vile in your sight ? He teareth himself in his anger : shall the earth be forsaken for thee ? and shall the rock be removed out of his place ? Yea , the light of the wicked shall be put out , and the spark of his fire shall not shine . The light shall be dark in his tabernacle , and his candle shall be put out with him . The steps of his strength shall be straitened , and his own counsel shall cast him down . For he is cast into a net by his own feet , and he walketh upon a snare . The gin shall take him by the heel , and the robber shall prevail against him . The snare is laid for him in the ground , and a trap for him in the way . Terrors shall make him afraid on every side , and shall drive him to his feet . His strength shall be hungerbitten , and destruction shall be ready at his side . It shall devour the strength of his skin : even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength . His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle , and it shall bring him to the king of terrors . It shall dwell in his tabernacle , because it is none of his : brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation . His roots shall be dried up beneath , and above shall his branch be cut off . His remembrance shall perish from the earth , and he shall have no name in the street . He shall be driven from light into darkness , and chased out of the world . He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people , nor any remaining in his dwellings . They that come after him shall be astonied at his day , as they that went before were affrighted . Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked , and this is the place of him that knoweth not God . Then Job answered and said , How long will ye vex my soul , and break me in pieces with words ? These ten times have ye reproached me : ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me . And be it indeed that I have erred , mine error remaineth with myself . If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me , and plead against me my reproach : Know now that God hath overthrown me , and hath compassed me with his net . Behold , I cry out of wrong , but I am not heard : I cry aloud , but there is no judgment . He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass , and he hath set darkness in my paths . He hath stripped me of my glory , and taken the crown from my head . He hath destroyed me on every side , and I am gone : and mine hope hath he removed like a tree . He hath also kindled his wrath against me , and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies . His troops come together , and raise up their way against me , and encamp round about my tabernacle . He hath put my brethren far from me , and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me . My kinsfolk have failed , and my familiar friends have forgotten me . They that dwell in mine house , and my maids , count me for a stranger : I am an alien in their sight . I called my servant , and he gave me no answer ; I intreated him with my mouth . My breath is strange to my wife , though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body . Yea , young children despised me ; I arose , and they spake against me . All my inward friends abhorred me : and they whom I loved are turned against me . My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh , and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth . Have pity upon me , have pity upon me , O ye my friends ; for the hand of God hath touched me . Why do ye persecute me as God , and are not satisfied with my flesh ? Oh that my words were now written ! oh that they were printed in a book ! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever ! For I know that my redeemer liveth , and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth : And though after my skin worms destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God : Whom I shall see for myself , and mine eyes shall behold , and not another ; though my reins be consumed within me . But ye should say , Why persecute we him , seeing the root of the matter is found in me ? Be ye afraid of the sword : for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword , that ye may know there is a judgment . Then answered Zophar the Naamathite , and said , Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer , and for this I make haste . I have heard the check of my reproach , and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer . Knowest thou not this of old , since man was placed upon earth , That the triumphing of the wicked is short , and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment ? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens , and his head reach unto the clouds ; Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung : they which have seen him shall say , Where is he ? He shall fly away as a dream , and shall not be found : yea , he shall be chased away as a vision of the night . The eye also which saw him shall see him no more ; neither shall his place any more behold him . His children shall seek to please the poor , and his hands shall restore their goods . His bones are full of the sin of his youth , which shall lie down with him in the dust . Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth , though he hide it under his tongue ; Though he spare it , and forsake it not ; but keep it still within his mouth : Yet his meat in his bowels is turned , it is the gall of asps within him . He hath swallowed down riches , and he shall vomit them up again : God shall cast them out of his belly . He shall suck the poison of asps : the viper's tongue shall slay him . He shall not see the rivers , the floods , the brooks of honey and butter . That which he laboured for shall he restore , and shall not swallow it down : according to his substance shall the restitution be , and he shall not rejoice therein . Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor ; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not ; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly , he shall not save of that which he desired . There shall none of his meat be left ; therefore shall no man look for his goods . In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits : every hand of the wicked shall come upon him . When he is about to fill his belly , God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him , and shall rain it upon him while he is eating . He shall flee from the iron weapon , and the bow of steel shall strike him through . It is drawn , and cometh out of the body ; yea , the glittering sword cometh out of his gall : terrors are upon him . All darkness shall be hid in his secret places : a fire not blown shall consume him ; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle . The heaven shall reveal his iniquity ; and the earth shall rise up against him . The increase of his house shall depart , and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath . This is the portion of a wicked man from God , and the heritage appointed unto him by God . But Job answered and said , Hear diligently my speech , and let this be your consolations . Suffer me that I may speak ; and after that I have spoken , mock on . As for me , is my complaint to man ? and if it were so , why should not my spirit be troubled ? Mark me , and be astonished , and lay your hand upon your mouth . Even when I remember I am afraid , and trembling taketh hold on my flesh . Wherefore do the wicked live , become old , yea , are mighty in power ? Their seed is established in their sight with them , and their offspring before their eyes . Their houses are safe from fear , neither is the rod of God upon them . Their bull gendereth , and faileth not ; their cow calveth , and casteth not her calf . They send forth their little ones like a flock , and their children dance . They take the timbrel and harp , and rejoice at the sound of the organ . They spend their days in wealth , and in a moment go down to the grave . Therefore they say unto God , Depart from us ; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways . What is the Almighty , that we should serve him ? and what profit should we have , if we pray unto him ? Lo , their good is not in their hand : the counsel of the wicked is far from me . How oft is the candle of the wicked put out ! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them ! God distributeth sorrows in his anger . They are as stubble before the wind , and as chaff that the storm carrieth away . God layeth up his iniquity for his children : he rewardeth him , and he shall know it . His eyes shall see his destruction , and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty . For what pleasure hath he in his house after him , when the number of his months is cut off in the midst ? Shall any teach God knowledge ? seeing he judgeth those that are high . One dieth in his full strength , being wholly at ease and quiet . His breasts are full of milk , and his bones are moistened with marrow . And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul , and never eateth with pleasure . They shall lie down alike in the dust , and the worms shall cover them . Behold , I know your thoughts , and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me . For ye say , Where is the house of the prince ? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked ? Have ye not asked them that go by the way ? and do ye not know their tokens , That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction ? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath . Who shall declare his way to his face ? and who shall repay him what he hath done ? Yet shall he be brought to the grave , and shall remain in the tomb . The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him , and every man shall draw after him , as there are innumerable before him . How then comfort ye me in vain , seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood ? Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said , Can a man be profitable unto God , as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself ? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty , that thou art righteous ? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect ? Will he reprove thee for fear of thee ? will he enter with thee into judgment ? Is not thy wickedness great ? and thine iniquities infinite ? For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought , and stripped the naked of their clothing . Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink , and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry . But as for the mighty man , he had the earth ; and the honourable man dwelt in it . Thou has sent widows away empty , and the arms of the fatherless have been broken . Therefore snares are round about thee , and sudden fear troubleth thee ; Or darkness , that thou canst not see ; and abundance of waters cover thee . Is not God in the height of heaven ? and behold the height of the stars , how high they are ! And thou sayest , How doth God know ? can he judge through the dark cloud ? Thick clouds are a covering to him , that he seeth not ; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven . Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden ? Which were cut down out of time , whose foundation was overflown with a flood : Which said unto God , Depart from us : and what can the Almighty do for them ? Yet he filled their houses with good things : but the counsel of the wicked is far from me . The righteous see it , and are glad : and the innocent laugh them to scorn . Whereas our substance is not cut down , but the remnant of them the fire consumeth . Acquaint now thyself with him , and be at peace : thereby good shall come unto thee . Receive , I pray thee , the law from his mouth , and lay up his words in thine heart . If thou return to the Almighty , thou shalt be built up , thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles . Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust , and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks . Yea , the Almighty shall be thy defence , and thou shalt have plenty of silver . For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty , and shalt lift up thy face unto God . Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him , and he shall hear thee , and thou shalt pay thy vows . Thou shalt also decree a thing , and it shall be established unto thee : and the light shall shine upon thy ways . When men are cast down , then thou shalt say , There is lifting up ; and he shall save the humble person . He shall deliver the island of the innocent : and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands . Then Job answered and said , Even to day is my complaint bitter : my stroke is heavier than my groaning . Oh that I knew where I might find him ! that I might come even to his seat ! I would order my cause before him , and fill my mouth with arguments . I would know the words which he would answer me , and understand what he would say unto me . Will he plead against me with his great power ? No ; but he would put strength in me . There the righteous might dispute with him ; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge . Behold , I go forward , but he is not there ; and backward , but I cannot perceive him : On the left hand , where he doth work , but I cannot behold him : he hideth himself on the right hand , that I cannot see him : But he knoweth the way that I take : when he hath tried me , I shall come forth as gold . My foot hath held his steps , his way have I kept , and not declined . Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips ; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food . But he is in one mind , and who can turn him ? and what his soul desireth , even that he doeth . For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me : and many such things are with him . Therefore am I troubled at his presence : when I consider , I am afraid of him . For God maketh my heart soft , and the Almighty troubleth me : Because I was not cut off before the darkness , neither hath he covered the darkness from my face . Why , seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty , do they that know him not see his days ? Some remove the landmarks ; they violently take away flocks , and feed thereof . They drive away the ass of the fatherless , they take the widow's ox for a pledge . They turn the needy out of the way : the poor of the earth hide themselves together . Behold , as wild asses in the desert , go they forth to their work ; rising betimes for a prey : the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children . They reap every one his corn in the field : and they gather the vintage of the wicked . They cause the naked to lodge without clothing , that they have no covering in the cold . They are wet with the showers of the mountains , and embrace the rock for want of a shelter . They pluck the fatherless from the breast , and take a pledge of the poor . They cause him to go naked without clothing , and they take away the sheaf from the hungry ; Which make oil within their walls , and tread their winepresses , and suffer thirst . Men groan from out of the city , and the soul of the wounded crieth out : yet God layeth not folly to them . They are of those that rebel against the light ; they know not the ways thereof , nor abide in the paths thereof . The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy , and in the night is as a thief . The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight , saying , No eye shall see me : and disguiseth his face . In the dark they dig through houses , which they had marked for themselves in the daytime : they know not the light . For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death : if one know them , they are in the terrors of the shadow of death . He is swift as the waters ; their portion is cursed in the earth : he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards . Drought and heat consume the snow waters : so doth the grave those which have sinned . The womb shall forget him ; the worm shall feed sweetly on him ; he shall be no more remembered ; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree . He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not : and doeth not good to the widow . He draweth also the mighty with his power : he riseth up , and no man is sure of life . Though it be given him to be in safety , whereon he resteth ; yet his eyes are upon their ways . They are exalted for a little while , but are gone and brought low ; they are taken out of the way as all other , and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn . And if it be not so now , who will make me a liar , and make my speech nothing worth ? Then answered Bildad the Shuhite , and said , Dominion and fear are with him , he maketh peace in his high places . Is there any number of his armies ? and upon whom doth not his light arise ? How then can man be justified with God ? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman ? Behold even to the moon , and it shineth not ; yea , the stars are not pure in his sight . How much less man , that is a worm ? and the son of man , which is a worm ? But Job answered and said , How hast thou helped him that is without power ? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength ? How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom ? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is ? To whom hast thou uttered words ? and whose spirit came from thee ? Dead things are formed from under the waters , and the inhabitants thereof . Hell is naked before him , and destruction hath no covering . He stretcheth out the north over the empty place , and hangeth the earth upon nothing . He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds ; and the cloud is not rent under them . He holdeth back the face of his throne , and spreadeth his cloud upon it . He hath compassed the waters with bounds , until the day and night come to an end . The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof . He divideth the sea with his power , and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud . By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens ; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent . Lo , these are parts of his ways : but how little a portion is heard of him ? but the thunder of his power who can understand ? Moreover Job continued his parable , and said , As God liveth , who hath taken away my judgment ; and the Almighty , who hath vexed my soul ; All the while my breath is in me , and the spirit of God is in my nostrils ; My lips shall not speak wickedness , nor my tongue utter deceit . God forbid that I should justify you : till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me . My righteousness I hold fast , and will not let it go : my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live . Let mine enemy be as the wicked , and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous . For what is the hope of the hypocrite , though he hath gained , when God taketh away his soul ? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him ? Will he delight himself in the Almighty ? will he always call upon God ? I will teach you by the hand of God : that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal . Behold , all ye yourselves have seen it ; why then are ye thus altogether vain ? This is the portion of a wicked man with God , and the heritage of oppressors , which they shall receive of the Almighty . If his children be multiplied , it is for the sword : and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread . Those that remain of him shall be buried in death : and his widows shall not weep . Though he heap up silver as the dust , and prepare raiment as the clay ; He may prepare it , but the just shall put it on , and the innocent shall divide the silver . He buildeth his house as a moth , and as a booth that the keeper maketh . The rich man shall lie down , but he shall not be gathered : he openeth his eyes , and he is not . Terrors take hold on him as waters , a tempest stealeth him away in the night . The east wind carrieth him away , and he departeth : and as a storm hurleth him out of his place . For God shall cast upon him , and not spare : he would fain flee out of his hand . Men shall clap their hands at him , and shall hiss him out of his place . Surely there is a vein for the silver , and a place for gold where they fine it . Iron is taken out of the earth , and brass is molten out of the stone . He setteth an end to darkness , and searcheth out all perfection : the stones of darkness , and the shadow of death . The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant ; even the waters forgotten of the foot : they are dried up , they are gone away from men . As for the earth , out of it cometh bread : and under it is turned up as it were fire . The stones of it are the place of sapphires : and it hath dust of gold . There is a path which no fowl knoweth , and which the vulture's eye hath not seen : The lion's whelps have not trodden it , nor the fierce lion passed by it . He putteth forth his hand upon the rock ; he overturneth the mountains by the roots . He cutteth out rivers among the rocks ; and his eye seeth every precious thing . He bindeth the floods from overflowing ; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light . But where shall wisdom be found ? and where is the place of understanding ? Man knoweth not the price thereof ; neither is it found in the land of the living . The depth saith , It is not in me : and the sea saith , It is not with me . It cannot be gotten for gold , neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof . It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir , with the precious onyx , or the sapphire . The gold and the crystal cannot equal it : and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold . No mention shall be made of coral , or of pearls : for the price of wisdom is above rubies . The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it , neither shall it be valued with pure gold . Whence then cometh wisdom ? and where is the place of understanding ? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living , and kept close from the fowls of the air . Destruction and death say , We have heard the fame thereof with our ears . God understandeth the way thereof , and he knoweth the place thereof . For he looketh to the ends of the earth , and seeth under the whole heaven ; To make the weight for the winds ; and he weigheth the waters by measure . When he made a decree for the rain , and a way for the lightning of the thunder : Then did he see it , and declare it ; he prepared it , yea , and searched it out . And unto man he said , Behold , the fear of the Lord , that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil is understanding . Moreover Job continued his parable , and said , Oh that I were as in months past , as in the days when God preserved me ; When his candle shined upon my head , and when by his light I walked through darkness ; As I was in the days of my youth , when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle ; When the Almighty was yet with me , when my children were about me ; When I washed my steps with butter , and the rock poured me out rivers of oil ; When I went out to the gate through the city , when I prepared my seat in the street ! The young men saw me , and hid themselves : and the aged arose , and stood up . The princes refrained talking , and laid their hand on their mouth . The nobles held their peace , and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth . When the ear heard me , then it blessed me ; and when the eye saw me , it gave witness to me : Because I delivered the poor that cried , and the fatherless , and him that had none to help him . The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me : and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy . I put on righteousness , and it clothed me : my judgment was as a robe and a diadem . I was eyes to the blind , and feet was I to the lame . I was a father to the poor : and the cause which I knew not I searched out . And I brake the jaws of the wicked , and plucked the spoil out of his teeth . Then I said , I shall die in my nest , and I shall multiply my days as the sand . My root was spread out by the waters , and the dew lay all night upon my branch . My glory was fresh in me , and my bow was renewed in my hand . Unto me men gave ear , and waited , and kept silence at my counsel . After my words they spake not again ; and my speech dropped upon them . And they waited for me as for the rain ; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain . If I laughed on them , they believed it not ; and the light of my countenance they cast not down . I chose out their way , and sat chief , and dwelt as a king in the army , as one that comforteth the mourners . But now they that are younger than I have me in derision , whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock . Yea , whereto might the strength of their hands profit me , in whom old age was perished ? For want and famine they were solitary ; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste . Who cut up mallows by the bushes , and juniper roots for their meat . They were driven forth from among men , ( they cried after them as after a thief ; ) To dwell in the clifts of the valleys , in caves of the earth , and in the rocks . Among the bushes they brayed ; under the nettles they were gathered together . They were children of fools , yea , children of base men : they were viler than the earth . And now am I their song , yea , I am their byword . They abhor me , they flee far from me , and spare not to spit in my face . Because he hath loosed my cord , and afflicted me , they have also let loose the bridle before me . Upon my right hand rise the youth ; they push away my feet , and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction . They mar my path , they set forward my calamity , they have no helper . They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters : in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me . Terrors are turned upon me : they pursue my soul as the wind : and my welfare passeth away as a cloud . And now my soul is poured out upon me ; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me . My bones are pierced in me in the night season : and my sinews take no rest . By the great force of my disease is my garment changed : it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat . He hath cast me into the mire , and I am become like dust and ashes . I cry unto thee , and thou dost not hear me : I stand up , and thou regardest me not . Thou art become cruel to me : with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me . Thou liftest me up to the wind ; thou causest me to ride upon it , and dissolvest my substance . For I know that thou wilt bring me to death , and to the house appointed for all living . Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave , though they cry in his destruction . Did not I weep for him that was in trouble ? was not my soul grieved for the poor ? When I looked for good , then evil came unto me : and when I waited for light , there came darkness . My bowels boiled , and rested not : the days of affliction prevented me . I went mourning without the sun : I stood up , and I cried in the congregation . I am a brother to dragons , and a companion to owls . My skin is black upon me , and my bones are burned with heat . My harp also is turned to mourning , and my organ into the voice of them that weep . I made a covenant with mine eyes ; why then should I think upon a maid ? For what portion of God is there from above ? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high ? Is not destruction to the wicked ? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity ? Doth not he see my ways , and count all my steps ? If I have walked with vanity , or if my foot hath hasted to deceit ; Let me be weighed in an even balance , that God may know mine integrity . If my step hath turned out of the way , and mine heart walked after mine eyes , and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands ; Then let me sow , and let another eat ; yea , let my offspring be rooted out . If mine heart have been deceived by a woman , or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door ; Then let my wife grind unto another , and let others bow down upon her . For this is an heinous crime ; yea , it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges . For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction , and would root out all mine increase . If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant , when they contended with me ; What then shall I do when God riseth up ? and when he visiteth , what shall I answer him ? Did not he that made me in the womb make him ? and did not one fashion us in the womb ? If I have withheld the poor from their desire , or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail ; Or have eaten my morsel myself alone , and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof ; ( For from my youth he was brought up with me , as with a father , and I have guided her from my mother's womb ; ) If I have seen any perish for want of clothing , or any poor without covering ; If his loins have not blessed me , and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep ; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless , when I saw my help in the gate : Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade , and mine arm be broken from the bone . For destruction from God was a terror to me , and by reason of his highness I could not endure . If I have made gold my hope , or have said to the fine gold , Thou art my confidence ; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great , and because mine hand had gotten much ; If I beheld the sun when it shined , or the moon walking in brightness ; And my heart hath been secretly enticed , or my mouth hath kissed my hand : This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge : for I should have denied the God that is above . If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me , or lifted up myself when evil found him : Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul . If the men of my tabernacle said not , Oh that we had of his flesh ! we cannot be satisfied . The stranger did not lodge in the street : but I opened my doors to the traveller . If I covered my transgressions as Adam , by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom : Did I fear a great multitude , or did the contempt of families terrify me , that I kept silence , and went not out of the door ? Oh that one would hear me ! behold , my desire is , that the Almighty would answer me , and that mine adversary had written a book . Surely I would take it upon my shoulder , and bind it as a crown to me . I would declare unto him the number of my steps ; as a prince would I go near unto him . If my land cry against me , or that the furrows likewise thereof complain ; If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money , or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life : Let thistles grow instead of wheat , and cockle instead of barley . The words of Job are ended . So these three men ceased to answer Job , because he was righteous in his own eyes . Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite , of the kindred of Ram : against Job was his wrath kindled , because he justified himself rather than God . Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled , because they had found no answer , and yet had condemned Job . Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken , because they were elder than he . When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men , then his wrath was kindled . And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said , I am young , and ye are very old ; wherefore I was afraid , and durst not shew you mine opinion . I said , Days should speak , and multitude of years should teach wisdom . But there is a spirit in man : and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding . Great men are not always wise : neither do the aged understand judgment . Therefore I said , Hearken to me ; I also will shew mine opinion . Behold , I waited for your words ; I gave ear to your reasons , whilst ye searched out what to say . Yea , I attended unto you , and , behold , there was none of you that convinced Job , or that answered his words : Lest ye should say , We have found out wisdom : God thrusteth him down , not man . Now he hath not directed his words against me : neither will I answer him with your speeches . They were amazed , they answered no more : they left off speaking . When I had waited , ( for they spake not , but stood still , and answered no more ; ) I said , I will answer also my part , I also will shew mine opinion . For I am full of matter , the spirit within me constraineth me . Behold , my belly is as wine which hath no vent ; it is ready to burst like new bottles . I will speak , that I may be refreshed : I will open my lips and answer . Let me not , I pray you , accept any man's person , neither let me give flattering titles unto man . For I know not to give flattering titles ; in so doing my maker would soon take me away . Wherefore , Job , I pray thee , hear my speeches , and hearken to all my words . Behold , now I have opened my mouth , my tongue hath spoken in my mouth . My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart : and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly . The Spirit of God hath made me , and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life . If thou canst answer me , set thy words in order before me , stand up . Behold , I am according to thy wish in God's stead : I also am formed out of the clay . Behold , my terror shall not make thee afraid , neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee . Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing , and I have heard the voice of thy words , saying , I am clean without transgression , I am innocent ; neither is there iniquity in me . Behold , he findeth occasions against me , he counteth me for his enemy , He putteth my feet in the stocks , he marketh all my paths . Behold , in this thou art not just : I will answer thee , that God is greater than man . Why dost thou strive against him ? for he giveth not account of any of his matters . For God speaketh once , yea twice , yet man perceiveth it not . In a dream , in a vision of the night , when deep sleep falleth upon men , in slumberings upon the bed ; Then he openeth the ears of men , and sealeth their instruction , That he may withdraw man from his purpose , and hide pride from man . He keepeth back his soul from the pit , and his life from perishing by the sword . He is chastened also with pain upon his bed , and the multitude of his bones with strong pain : So that his life abhorreth bread , and his soul dainty meat . His flesh is consumed away , that it cannot be seen ; and his bones that were not seen stick out . Yea , his soul draweth near unto the grave , and his life to the destroyers . If there be a messenger with him , an interpreter , one among a thousand , to shew unto man his uprightness : Then he is gracious unto him , and saith , Deliver him from going down to the pit : I have found a ransom . His flesh shall be fresher than a child's : he shall return to the days of his youth : He shall pray unto God , and he will be favourable unto him : and he shall see his face with joy : for he will render unto man his righteousness . He looketh upon men , and if any say , I have sinned , and perverted that which was right , and it profited me not ; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit , and his life shall see the light . Lo , all these things worketh God oftentimes with man , To bring back his soul from the pit , to be enlightened with the light of the living . Mark well , O Job , hearken unto me : hold thy peace , and I will speak . If thou hast any thing to say , answer me : speak , for I desire to justify thee . If not , hearken unto me : hold thy peace , and I shall teach thee wisdom . Furthermore Elihu answered and said , Hear my words , O ye wise men ; and give ear unto me , ye that have knowledge . For the ear trieth words , as the mouth tasteth meat . Let us choose to us judgment : let us know among ourselves what is good . For Job hath said , I am righteous : and God hath taken away my judgment . Should I lie against my right ? my wound is incurable without transgression . What man is like Job , who drinketh up scorning like water ? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity , and walketh with wicked men . For he hath said , It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God . Therefore hearken unto me , ye men of understanding : far be it from God , that he should do wickedness ; and from the Almighty , that he should commit iniquity . For the work of a man shall he render unto him , and cause every man to find according to his ways . Yea , surely God will not do wickedly , neither will the Almighty pervert judgment . Who hath given him a charge over the earth ? or who hath disposed the whole world ? If he set his heart upon man , if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath ; All flesh shall perish together , and man shall turn again unto dust . If now thou hast understanding , hear this : hearken to the voice of my words . Shall even he that hateth right govern ? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just ? Is it fit to say to a king , Thou art wicked ? and to princes , Ye are ungodly ? How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes , nor regardeth the rich more than the poor ? for they all are the work of his hands . In a moment shall they die , and the people shall be troubled at midnight , and pass away : and the mighty shall be taken away without hand . For his eyes are upon the ways of man , and he seeth all his goings . There is no darkness , nor shadow of death , where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves . For he will not lay upon man more than right ; that he should enter into judgment with God . He shall break in pieces mighty men without number , and set others in their stead . Therefore he knoweth their works , and he overturneth them in the night , so that they are destroyed . He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others ; Because they turned back from him , and would not consider any of his ways : So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him , and he heareth the cry of the afflicted . When he giveth quietness , who then can make trouble ? and when he hideth his face , who then can behold him ? whether it be done against a nation , or against a man only : That the hypocrite reign not , lest the people be ensnared . Surely it is meet to be said unto God , I have borne chastisement , I will not offend any more : That which I see not teach thou me : if I have done iniquity , I will do no more . Should it be according to thy mind ? he will recompense it , whether thou refuse , or whether thou choose ; and not I : therefore speak what thou knowest . Let men of understanding tell me , and let a wise man hearken unto me . Job hath spoken without knowledge , and his words were without wisdom . My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men . For he addeth rebellion unto his sin , he clappeth his hands among us , and multiplieth his words against God . Elihu spake moreover , and said , Thinkest thou this to be right , that thou saidst , My righteousness is more than God's ? For thou saidst , What advantage will it be unto thee ? and , What profit shall I have , if I be cleansed from my sin ? I will answer thee , and thy companions with thee . Look unto the heavens , and see ; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou . If thou sinnest , what doest thou against him ? or if thy transgressions be multiplied , what doest thou unto him ? If thou be righteous , what givest thou him ? or what receiveth he of thine hand ? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art ; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man . By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry : they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty . But none saith , Where is God my maker , who giveth songs in the night ; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth , and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven ? There they cry , but none giveth answer , because of the pride of evil men . Surely God will not hear vanity , neither will the Almighty regard it . Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him , yet judgment is before him ; therefore trust thou in him . But now , because it is not so , he hath visited in his anger ; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity : Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain ; he multiplieth words without knowledge . Elihu also proceeded , and said , Suffer me a little , and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf . I will fetch my knowledge from afar , and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker . For truly my words shall not be false : he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee . Behold , God is mighty , and despiseth not any : he is mighty in strength and wisdom . He preserveth not the life of the wicked : but giveth right to the poor . He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous : but with kings are they on the throne ; yea , he doth establish them for ever , and they are exalted . And if they be bound in fetters , and be holden in cords of affliction ; Then he sheweth them their work , and their transgressions that they have exceeded . He openeth also their ear to discipline , and commandeth that they return from iniquity . If they obey and serve him , they shall spend their days in prosperity , and their years in pleasures . But if they obey not , they shall perish by the sword , and they shall die without knowledge . But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath : they cry not when he bindeth them . They die in youth , and their life is among the unclean . He delivereth the poor in his affliction , and openeth their ears in oppression . Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place , where there is no straitness ; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness . But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked : judgment and justice take hold on thee . Because there is wrath , beware lest he take thee away with his stroke : then a great ransom cannot deliver thee . Will he esteem thy riches ? no , not gold , nor all the forces of strength . Desire not the night , when people are cut off in their place . Take heed , regard not iniquity : for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction . Behold , God exalteth by his power : who teacheth like him ? Who hath enjoined him his way ? or who can say , Thou hast wrought iniquity ? Remember that thou magnify his work , which men behold . Every man may see it ; man may behold it afar off . Behold , God is great , and we know him not , neither can the number of his years be searched out . For he maketh small the drops of water : they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof : Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly . Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds , or the noise of his tabernacle ? Behold , he spreadeth his light upon it , and covereth the bottom of the sea . For by them judgeth he the people ; he giveth meat in abundance . With clouds he covereth the light ; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt . The noise thereof sheweth concerning it , the cattle also concerning the vapour . At this also my heart trembleth , and is moved out of his place . Hear attentively the noise of his voice , and the sound that goeth out of his mouth . He directeth it under the whole heaven , and his lightning unto the ends of the earth . After it a voice roareth : he thundereth with the voice of his excellency ; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard . God thundereth marvellously with his voice ; great things doeth he , which we cannot comprehend . For he saith to the snow , Be thou on the earth ; likewise to the small rain , and to the great rain of his strength . He sealeth up the hand of every man ; that all men may know his work . Then the beasts go into dens , and remain in their places . Out of the south cometh the whirlwind : and cold out of the north . By the breath of God frost is given : and the breadth of the waters is straitened . Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud : he scattereth his bright cloud : And it is turned round about by his counsels : that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth . He causeth it to come , whether for correction , or for his land , or for mercy . Hearken unto this , O Job : stand still , and consider the wondrous works of God . Dost thou know when God disposed them , and caused the light of his cloud to shine ? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds , the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge ? How thy garments are warm , when he quieteth the earth by the south wind ? Hast thou with him spread out the sky , which is strong , and as a molten looking glass ? Teach us what we shall say unto him ; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness . Shall it be told him that I speak ? if a man speak , surely he shall be swallowed up . And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds : but the wind passeth , and cleanseth them . Fair weather cometh out of the north : with God is terrible majesty . Touching the Almighty , we cannot find him out : he is excellent in power , and in judgment , and in plenty of justice : he will not afflict . Men do therefore fear him : he respecteth not any that are wise of heart . Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind , and said , Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge ? Gird up now thy loins like a man ; for I will demand of thee , and answer thou me . Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth ? declare , if thou hast understanding . Who hath laid the measures thereof , if thou knowest ? or who hath stretched the line upon it ? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened ? or who laid the corner stone thereof ; When the morning stars sang together , and all the sons of God shouted for joy ? Or who shut up the sea with doors , when it brake forth , as if it had issued out of the womb ? When I made the cloud the garment thereof , and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it , And brake up for it my decreed place , and set bars and doors , And said , Hitherto shalt thou come , but no further : and here shall thy proud waves be stayed ? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days ; and caused the dayspring to know his place ; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth , that the wicked might be shaken out of it ? It is turned as clay to the seal ; and they stand as a garment . And from the wicked their light is withholden , and the high arm shall be broken . Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea ? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth ? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee ? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death ? Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth ? declare if thou knowest it all . Where is the way where light dwelleth ? and as for darkness , where is the place thereof , That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof , and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof ? Knowest thou it , because thou wast then born ? or because the number of thy days is great ? Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow ? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail , Which I have reserved against the time of trouble , against the day of battle and war ? By what way is the light parted , which scattereth the east wind upon the earth ? Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters , or a way for the lightning of thunder ; To cause it to rain on the earth , where no man is ; on the wilderness , wherein there is no man ; To satisfy the desolate and waste ground ; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth ? Hath the rain a father ? or who hath begotten the drops of dew ? Out of whose womb came the ice ? and the hoary frost of heaven , who hath gendered it ? The waters are hid as with a stone , and the face of the deep is frozen . Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades , or loose the bands of Orion ? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season ? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons ? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven ? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth ? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds , that abundance of waters may cover thee ? Canst thou send lightnings , that they may go , and say unto thee , Here we are ? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts ? or who hath given understanding to the heart ? Who can number the clouds in wisdom ? or who can stay the bottles of heaven , When the dust groweth into hardness , and the clods cleave fast together ? Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion ? or fill the appetite of the young lions , When they couch in their dens , and abide in the covert to lie in wait ? Who provideth for the raven his food ? when his young ones cry unto God , they wander for lack of meat . Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth ? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve ? Canst thou number the months that they fulfil ? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth ? They bow themselves , they bring forth their young ones , they cast out their sorrows . Their young ones are in good liking , they grow up with corn ; they go forth , and return not unto them . Who hath sent out the wild ass free ? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass ? Whose house I have made the wilderness , and the barren land his dwellings . He scorneth the multitude of the city , neither regardeth he the crying of the driver . The range of the mountains is his pasture , and he searcheth after every green thing . Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee , or abide by thy crib ? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow ? or will he harrow the valleys after thee ? Wilt thou trust him , because his strength is great ? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him ? Wilt thou believe him , that he will bring home thy seed , and gather it into thy barn ? Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks ? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich ? Which leaveth her eggs in the earth , and warmeth them in dust , And forgetteth that the foot may crush them , or that the wild beast may break them . She is hardened against her young ones , as though they were not hers : her labour is in vain without fear ; Because God hath deprived her of wisdom , neither hath he imparted to her understanding . What time she lifteth up herself on high , she scorneth the horse and his rider . Hast thou given the horse strength ? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder ? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper ? the glory of his nostrils is terrible . He paweth in the valley , and rejoiceth in his strength : he goeth on to meet the armed men . He mocketh at fear , and is not affrighted ; neither turneth he back from the sword . The quiver rattleth against him , the glittering spear and the shield . He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage : neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet . He saith among the trumpets , Ha , ha ; and he smelleth the battle afar off , the thunder of the captains , and the shouting . Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom , and stretch her wings toward the south ? Doth the eagle mount up at thy command , and make her nest on high ? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock , upon the crag of the rock , and the strong place . From thence she seeketh the prey , and her eyes behold afar off . Her young ones also suck up blood : and where the slain are , there is she . Moreover the LORD answered Job , and said , Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him ? he that reproveth God , let him answer it . Then Job answered the LORD , and said , Behold , I am vile ; what shall I answer thee ? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth . Once have I spoken ; but I will not answer : yea , twice ; but I will proceed no further . Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind , and said , Gird up thy loins now like a man : I will demand of thee , and declare thou unto me . Wilt thou also disannul my judgment ? wilt thou condemn me , that thou mayest be righteous ? Hast thou an arm like God ? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him ? Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency ; and array thyself with glory and beauty . Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath : and behold every one that is proud , and abase him . Look on every one that is proud , and bring him low ; and tread down the wicked in their place . Hide them in the dust together ; and bind their faces in secret . Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee . Behold now behemoth , which I made with thee ; he eateth grass as an ox . Lo now , his strength is in his loins , and his force is in the navel of his belly . He moveth his tail like a cedar : the sinews of his stones are wrapped together . His bones are as strong pieces of brass ; his bones are like bars of iron . He is the chief of the ways of God : he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him . Surely the mountains bring him forth food , where all the beasts of the field play . He lieth under the shady trees , in the covert of the reed , and fens . The shady trees cover him with their shadow ; the willows of the brook compass him about . Behold , he drinketh up a river , and hasteth not : he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth . He taketh it with his eyes : his nose pierceth through snares . Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook ? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down ? Canst thou put an hook into his nose ? or bore his jaw through with a thorn ? Will he make many supplications unto thee ? will he speak soft words unto thee ? Will he make a covenant with thee ? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever ? Wilt thou play with him as with a bird ? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens ? Shall the companions make a banquet of him ? shall they part him among the merchants ? Canst thou fill his skin with barbed iron ? or his head with fish spears ? Lay thine hand upon him , remember the battle , do no more . Behold , the hope of him is in vain : shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him ? None is so fierce that dare stir him up : who then is able to stand before me ? Who hath prevented me , that I should repay him ? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine . I will not conceal his parts , nor his power , nor his comely proportion . Who can discover the face of his garment ? or who can come to him with his double bridle ? Who can open the doors of his face ? his teeth are terrible round about . His scales are his pride , shut up together as with a close seal . One is so near to another , that no air can come between them . They are joined one to another , they stick together , that they cannot be sundered . By his neesings a light doth shine , and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning . Out of his mouth go burning lamps , and sparks of fire leap out . Out of his nostrils goeth smoke , as out of a seething pot or caldron . His breath kindleth coals , and a flame goeth out of his mouth . In his neck remaineth strength , and sorrow is turned into joy before him . The flakes of his flesh are joined together : they are firm in themselves ; they cannot be moved . His heart is as firm as a stone ; yea , as hard as a piece of the nether millstone . When he raiseth up himself , the mighty are afraid : by reason of breakings they purify themselves . The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold : the spear , the dart , nor the habergeon . He esteemeth iron as straw , and brass as rotten wood . The arrow cannot make him flee : slingstones are turned with him into stubble . Darts are counted as stubble : he laugheth at the shaking of a spear . Sharp stones are under him : he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire . He maketh the deep to boil like a pot : he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment . He maketh a path to shine after him ; one would think the deep to be hoary . Upon earth there is not his like , who is made without fear . He beholdeth all high things : he is a king over all the children of pride . Then Job answered the LORD , and said , I know that thou canst do every thing , and that no thought can be withholden from thee . Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge ? therefore have I uttered that I understood not ; things too wonderful for me , which I knew not . Hear , I beseech thee , and I will speak : I will demand of thee , and declare thou unto me . I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear : but now mine eye seeth thee . Wherefore I abhor myself , and repent in dust and ashes . And it was so , that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job , the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite , My wrath is kindled against thee , and against thy two friends : for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right , as my servant Job hath . Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams , and go to my servant Job , and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering ; and my servant Job shall pray for you : for him will I accept : lest I deal with you after your folly , in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right , like my servant Job . So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went , and did according as the LORD commanded them : the LORD also accepted Job . And the LORD turned the captivity of Job , when he prayed for his friends : also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before . Then came there unto him all his brethren , and all his sisters , and all they that had been of his acquaintance before , and did eat bread with him in his house : and they bemoaned him , and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him : every man also gave him a piece of money , and every one an earring of gold . So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning : for he had fourteen thousand sheep , and six thousand camels , and a thousand yoke of oxen , and a thousand she asses . He had also seven sons and three daughters . And he called the name of the first , Jemima ; and the name of the second , Kezia ; and the name of the third , Keren-happuch . And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job : and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren . After this lived Job an hundred and forty years , and saw his sons , and his sons' sons , even four generations . So Job died , being old and full of days .