Job

 2 “Be patient with me a little longer while I explain,

For I still have words to speak on God’s behalf.

 3 I will speak comprehensively about what I know,

And I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.+

 4 Truly my words are not false;

The One perfect in knowledge+ is here before you.

 5 Indeed, God is mighty+ and rejects no one;

He is great in his power of understanding.*

 6 He will not preserve the lives of the wicked,+

But he gives justice to the afflicted.+

 7 He does not take his eyes off the righteous;+

He enthrones them with kings,*+ and they are exalted forever.

 8 But if they are bound in shackles

And caught in ropes of affliction,

 9 He reveals to them what they have done,

Their transgressions caused by their pride.

10 He opens their ears to correction

And tells them to turn away from wrongdoing.+

11 If they obey and serve him,

They will live out their days in prosperity,

And their years will be pleasant.+

12 But if they do not obey, they will perish by the sword*+

And die without knowledge.

14 They die* while still young,+

Spending* their life among male temple prostitutes.+

15 But God* rescues the afflicted during their affliction;

He opens their ear when they are oppressed.

16 He draws you away from the brink of distress+

To a broad space, free of restriction,+

With rich food on your table as consolation.+

17 Then you will be satisfied with the judgment on the wicked,+

When judgment is rendered and justice is upheld.

18 But take care that rage does not lead you into spitefulness,*+

And do not let a large bribe lead you astray.

19 Would your cry for help

Or any of your strenuous efforts keep you from distress?+

20 Do not long for the night,

When people vanish from their place.

21 Beware that you do not turn to wrongdoing,

Choosing this instead of affliction.+

22 Look! God is exalted in his power;

What instructor is like him?

23 Who has directed* his way+

Or said to him, ‘What you have done is wrong’?+

24 Remember to magnify his activity,+

Of which men have sung.+

25 All mankind has seen it,

Mortal man looks on from a distance.

26 Yes, God is greater than we can know;+

The number of his years is beyond comprehension.*+

27 He draws up the drops of water;+

They condense into rain from his mist;

28 Then the clouds pour it down;+

They shower down upon mankind.

29 Can anyone understand the layers of clouds,

The thundering from his tent?*+

30 See how he spreads his lightning*+ over it

And covers the depths* of the sea.

31 By these he sustains* the peoples;

He gives them food in abundance.+

32 With his hands he covers the lightning,

And he directs it against its target.+

33 His thunder tells about him,

Even the livestock tell who* is coming.