So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; without knowledge he multiplies words.”

All humanity has seen it; people gaze on it from afar.

Under the lotus trees it lies, in the secrecy of the reeds and the marsh.

Can you fill its hide with harpoons or its head with fishing spears?

They lock tightly together, one to the next; they cling together and cannot be separated.

Arrows do not make it flee; slingstones become like chaff to it.

and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom – for true wisdom has two sides – so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.

But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last.”

When the days of their feasting were finished, Job would send for them and sanctify them; he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s customary practice.

Then his wife said to him, “Are you still holding firmly to your integrity? Curse God, and die!”

Let those who curse the day curse it – those who are prepared to rouse Leviathan.

But now the same thing comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are terrified.

They are destroyed between morning and evening; they perish forever without anyone regarding it.

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

I myself have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly I cursed his place of residence.

His children are far from safety, and they are crushed at the place where judgment is rendered, nor is there anyone to deliver them.

he sets the lowly on high, that those who mourn are raised to safety.

Can food that is tasteless be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

What is my strength, that I should wait? and what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

“Teach me and I, for my part, will be silent; explain to me how I have been mistaken.