then let thorns sprout up in place of wheat, and in place of barley, weeds!” The words of Job are ended.

So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

I said to myself, ‘Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.’

And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,

to turn back his life from the place of corruption, that he may be enlightened with the light of life.

If you sin, how does it affect God? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to him?

“People cry out because of the excess of oppression; they cry out for help because of the power of the mighty.

Take heed, do not turn to evil, for because of this you have been tested by affliction.

He causes everyone to stop working, so that all people may know his work.

Should he be informed that I want to speak? If a man speaks, surely he would be swallowed up!

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you possess understanding!

Who set its measurements – if you know – or who stretched a measuring line across it?

The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features are dyed like a garment.

In what direction is lightning dispersed, or the east winds scattered over the earth?

Can you send out lightning bolts, and they go? Will they say to you, ‘Here we are’?

It paws the ground in the valley, exulting mightily, it goes out to meet the weapons.

“Look now at Behemoth, which I made as I made you; it eats grass like the ox.

(41:1) See, his expectation is wrong, he is laid low even at the sight of it.

Its back has rows of shields, shut up closely together as with a seal;

and the Sabeans swooped down and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”