Prologue

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.

When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied.

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”

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

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

That day—may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it.

Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?

“If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking?

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

At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.

“A word was secretly brought to me, my ears caught a whisper of it.

‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker?

If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error,

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been impetuous.

The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors are marshaled against me.

“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,

that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut off my life!

Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.