. . . But how can a person be declared innocent in God's sight?If someone wanted to take God to court, would it be possible to answer Him even once in a thousand times?For God is so wise and so mighty.Who has ever challenged Him successfully?Without warning, He moves the mountains, overturning them in His anger.He shakes the earth from its place, and its foundations tremble.If He commands it, the ...  Read More

"Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh?Can marsh grass flourish without water?  While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass. The same happens to all who forget God.The hopes of the godless evaporate.Their confidence hangs by a thread.They are leaning on a spider's web.They cling to their home for security, but it won't last. . . The godle...  Read More

Is not all human life a struggle?Our lives are like that of a hired hand; like a worker who longs for the shade,Like a servant waiting to be paid.I, too, have been assigned months of futility, Long and weary nights of misery.Lying in bed, I think, 'When will it be morning?'But the night drags on and I toss till dawn. My body is covered with maggots and scabs.My skin breaks open, oozing with pus. ....  Read More

One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook. . . when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. . . The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die. . . They count on it but are disappointed. . . You, too, have given no help. . . Honest words can b...  Read More

Then Job spoke again:"If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales,They would outweigh all the sands of the sea. . . For the Almighty has struck me down with His arrows.Their poison infects my spirit.God's terrors are lined up against me. . . Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.I wish He would crush me. I wish He would reach out His hand and kill ...  Read More

But consider the joy of those corrected by God!Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.For though He wounds, He also bandages.He strikes but His hands also heal.From six disasters He will rescue you; even in the seventh, He will keep you from evil. . . You will be safe from slander and have no fear when disaster comes.You will laugh at destruction and famine; wild animals will n...  Read More