“Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips’ contentions.

Get ready for a difficult task like a man; I will question you and you will inform me!

“Get ready for a difficult task like a man. I will question you and you will inform me!

You said, ‘Pay attention, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.’

“Call now! Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

“For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors;

Remember that you have made me as with the clay; will you return me to dust?

See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.

Make then my pledge with you. Who else will put up security for me?

“Reconcile yourself with God, and be at peace with him; in this way your prosperity will be good.

Accept instruction from his mouth and store up his words in your heart.

“But now, O Job, listen to my words, and hear everything I have to say!

See now, I have opened my mouth; my tongue in my mouth has spoken.

Adorn yourself, then, with majesty and excellency, and clothe yourself with glory and honor!

Look at its strength in its loins, and its power in the muscles of its belly.

Call to mind now: Who, being innocent, ever perished? And where were upright people ever destroyed?

Relent, let there be no falsehood; reconsider, for my righteousness is intact!

“But now, ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky and they will tell you.

“But turn, all of you, and come now! I will not find a wise man among you.

I will not show partiality to anyone, nor will I confer a title on any man.