If God were to set his heart on it, and gather in his spirit and his breath,

Again the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also arrived among them to present himself before the Lord.

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And that man was pure and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

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

If you are righteous, what do you give to God, or what does he receive from your hand?

Is it your opinion that God should recompense it, because you reject this? But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

So the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a pure and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil.”

“Why does God give light to one who is in misery, and life to those whose soul is bitter,

and if God is gracious to him and says, ‘Spare him from going down to the place of corruption, I have found a ransom for him,’

While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants – it has consumed them! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

But he replied, “You’re talking like one of the godless women would do! Should we receive what is good from God, and not also receive what is evil?” In all this Job did not sin by what he said.

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 the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a pure and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil. And he still holds firmly to his integrity, so that you stirred me up to destroy him without reason.”

But if God is quiet, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, then who can see him? Yet he is over the individual and the nation alike,

Surely now he has worn me out, you have devastated my entire household.

Is not your piety your confidence, and your blameless ways your hope?

For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’

He has flung me into the mud, and I have come to resemble dust and ashes.

He is wise in heart and mighty in strength – who has resisted him and remained safe?

It hurls itself against him without pity as he flees headlong from its power.