1 The LORD said to Job: |
2 "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!" |
3 Then Job answered the LORD: |
4 "I am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. |
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer--twice, but I will say no more." |
6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm: |
7 "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. |
8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? |
9 Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? |
10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. |
11 Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, |
12 look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand. |
13 Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. |
14 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. |
15 "Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. |
16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly! |
17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit. |
18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron. |
19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. |
20 The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby. |
21 Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh. |
22 The lotuses conceal him in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround him. |
23 When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth. |
24 Can anyone capture him by the eyes, or trap him and pierce his nose? |