But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,

But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.

Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?

You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

You will know that your children will be many, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.

“We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself.”

Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf, pay a ransom for me from your wealth,

How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove?

You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.

“But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face?

If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?

“How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind.

When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.

if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state.

Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”

Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked?

Are your days like those of a mortal or your years like those of a strong man,