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The Book of Yah'b




     

The Book of Yah'b [Job]

Chapter 1

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Yahb [Yasher 67:24]. That man was perfect, upright, one who feared Yahwah, and turned away from evil.

2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.

3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she-asses, and a very great household. This was the greatest man of all the children of the east.

4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one upon his day. They sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

5 It was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Yahb sent, sanctified them, rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings according to the number of them all. For Yahb said: It may be that my sons sinned, and renounced Yahwah in their hearts. Thus Yahb did continually.

6 Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of Yahwah came to present themselves before Yahwah, that Satan also came among them.

7 Yahwah said to Satan: Where do you come from? Then Satan answered Yahwah, and said: From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8 Yahwah said to Satan: Do you consider my servant Yahb? There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one who fears Yahwah, and turns away from evil.

9 Then Satan answered Yahwah, and said: Does Yahb fear Yahwah for nothing?

10 Did you not made a hedge about him, about his house, and about all he has, on every side? You blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

11 But put forth your hand now, touch all he has, and he will renounce you to your face.

12 Yahwah said to Satan: Behold, all he has is in your power. Only upon himself do not put forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahwah.

13 It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,

14 a messenger came to Yahb, and said: The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them.

15 The Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away. Yea, they killed the servants with the edge of the sword. I only am escaped alone to tell you.

16 While he was still speaking, there came another also, and said: The fire of God fell from heaven, burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them. I only am escaped alone to tell you.

17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said: The Chaldeans made three bands, fell upon the camels, and took them away. Yea, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword. I only am escaped alone to tell you.

18 While he was still speaking, there came another also, and said: Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house.

19 Behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, smote the four corners of the house, it fell upon the young men, and they are dead. I only am escaped alone to tell you.

20 Then Yahb arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell down upon the ground, and worshipped.

21 He said: Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked I will return there. Yahwah gave, and Yahwah took away. Blessed is the Name of Yahwah.

22 In all this Yahb did not sin, nor charge Yahwah foolishly.

Chapter 2

1 Again it came to pass on the day when the sons of Yahwah came to present themselves before Yahwah, that Satan also came among them to present himself before Yahwah.

2 Yahwah said to Satan: Where do you come from? Satan answered Yahwah, and said: From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

3 Yahwah said to Satan: Do you consider my servant Yahb? There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one who fears Yahwah, and turns away from evil. He still holds fast his integrity, although you moved me against him, to destroy him without cause.

4 Satan answered Yahwah, and said: Skin for skin, yea, all a man has he will give for his life.

5 But put forth your hand now, touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face.

6 Yahwah said to Satan: Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life.

7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahwah, and smote Yahb with sore boils from the sole of his foot to his crown.

8 He took him a potsherd to scrape himself with. He sat among the ashes.

9 Then his wife said to him: Do you still hold fast your integrity? Renounce Yahwah, and die.

10 But he said to her: You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of Yahwah, and will we not receive evil? In all this Yahb did not sin with his lips.

11 Now when Yahb's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to bemoan him, and to comfort him.

12 When they lifted up their eyes afar off, and did not know him, they lifted up their voice, and wept. Every one tore his robe, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.

13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him. For they saw his grief was very great.

Chapter 3

1 After this Yahb opened his mouth, and cursed his day.

2 Yahb answered, and said:

3 Let the day perish in which I was born, and the night which said: There is a man-child conceived.

4 Let that day be darkness. Let Yahwah from above not seek for it, neither let the light shine upon it.

5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell upon it. Let all that makes the day black terrify it.

6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize upon it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.

7 Lo, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come there.

8 Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.

9 Let the stars of the twilight of it be dark. Let it look for light, but have none. Neither let it behold the eyelids of the morning,

10 because it did not shut up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid trouble from my eyes.

11 Why did I not die from the womb? Why did I not give up the spirit when my mother bore me?

12 Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should suck?

13 I should have lain down and been quiet.

14 I should have slept, then I would be at rest with kings and counsellors of the earth, who built up waste places for themselves.

15 Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver.

16 Or as a hidden untimely birth I was not, as infants that never saw light.

17 There the wicked cease from troubling. There the weary are at rest.

18 There the prisoners are at ease together. They do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.

19 The small and the great are there. The servant is free from his master.

20 Light is given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul.

21 Who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hid treasures.

22 Who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?

23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom Yahwah hedges in?

24 My sighing comes before I eat, and my groanings are poured out like water.

25 The thing I fear comes upon me, and what I am afraid of comes to me.

26 I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither do I have rest. But trouble comes.

Chapter 4

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, and said:

2 If someone tries to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?

3 Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands.

4 Your words upheld him who was falling, and you made the feeble knees firm.

5 But now it is come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.

6 Is your fear of Yahwah not your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?

7 Remember, I pray you, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?

8 According as I saw, those who plow iniquity, and sow trouble, reap the same.

9 They perish by the breath of Yahwah, they are consumed by the blast of His anger.

10 The roaring of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the whelps of the lioness are scattered abroad.

12 Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a whisper of it.

13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men,

14 fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

15 Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.

16 It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance of it. A form was before my eyes. There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying:

17 Shall mortal man be more just than Yahwah? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?

18 Behold, He puts no trust in His servants. He charges His malaks with folly.

19 How much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!

20 Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it.

21 Is their tent-cord not plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.

Chapter 5

1 Call now, is there any who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

2 Vexation kills the foolish man, and jealousy slays the silly one.

3 I saw the foolish taking root. But suddenly I cursed his habitation.

4 His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate. Neither is there any to deliver them.

5 Their harvest the hungry eats up, and takes it even out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance.

6 Affliction does not come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground.

7 But man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

8 But as for me, I would seek to Yahwah, and I would commit my cause to Yahwah.

9 Who does great things and unsearchable, marvellous things without number?

10 Who gives rain upon the earth, and sends waters upon the fields?

11 He sets those who are low up on high, and those who mourn are exalted to safety.

12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so their hands cannot perform their enterprise.

13 He takes the wise in their own craftiness. The counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.

14 They meet with darkness in the day-time, and grope at noonday as in the night.

15 But He saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.

16 So the poor has hope, and iniquity stops her mouth.

17 Behold, happy is the man Yahwah corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

18 He makes sore, and binds up. He wounds, and His hands make whole.

19 He will deliver you in six troubles. Yea, in seven there will no evil touch you.

20 In famine He will redeem you from death. In war from the power of the sword.

21 You will be hid from the scourge of the tongue. Neither will you be afraid of destruction when it comes.

22 At destruction and dearth you will laugh. Neither will you be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

23 You will be in league with the stones of the field. The beasts of the field will be at peace with you.

24 You will know your tent is in peace. You will visit your fold, and will miss nothing.

25 You will know also your seed will be great, and your offspring as the grass of the earth.

26 You will come to your grave in a full age, like as a shock of grain comes in in its season.

27 Look this, we searched it, so it is. Hear it, and know it for your good.

Chapter 6

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 Oh that my vexation were but weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

3 Now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas. Therefore my words are rash.

4 The arrows of the Almighty are within me. The poison of which my spirit drinks up. The terrors of Yahwah set themselves in array against me.

5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?

6 Can what has no savor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.

8 Oh that I might have my request. That Yahwah would grant me the thing I long for!

9 Even that it would please Yahwah to crush me. That He would let loose His hand, and cut me off!

10 Be it my consolation still, yea, let me exult in pain that does not spare, that I did not deny the words of the Holy One.

11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?

12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze?

13 Is it not that I have no help in me, and that wisdom is driven quite from me?

14 To him who is ready to faint kindness should be showed from his friend. Even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15 My brothers dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away.

16 Which are black by reason of the ice, and where the snow hides itself.

17 What time they wax warm, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

18 The caravans that travel by the way of them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.

19 The caravans of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

20 They were put to shame because they hoped. They came there, and were confounded.

21 Now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.

22 Did I say: Give to me? Or: Offer a present for me of your substance?

23 Or: Deliver me from the adversary's hand? Or: Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?

24 Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand where I erred.

25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?

26 Do you think to reprove words, seeing the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

27 Yea, you would cast lots upon the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

28 Now therefore be pleased to look upon me. Surely I will not lie to your face.

29 Return, I pray you, let there be no injustice. Yea, return again, my cause is righteous.

30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my taste not discern mischievous things?

Chapter 7

1 Is there not a warfare to man upon earth? Are his days like the days of a hireling?

2 As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, and as a hireling who looks for his wages,

3 so am I made to possess months of misery. Wearisome nights are appointed to me.

4 When I lie down, I say: When will I arise, and the night be gone? I am full of tossings to and fro to the dawning of the day.

5 My flesh is clothed with worms, and clods of dust. My skin closes up, and breaks out afresh.

6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

7 Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye will see no more good.

8 The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more. Your eyes will be upon me, but I will not be.

9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave will not come up.

10 He will not return to his house, neither will his place know him any more.

11 Therefore I do not refrain my mouth. I speak in the anguish of my spirit. I complain in the bitterness of my soul.

12 Am I a sea, or a sea-monster, that you set a watch over me?

13 When I say: My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint.

14 Then you scare me with dreams, and terrify me through visions.

15 So that my soul chooses strangling, and death rather than these my bones.

16 I loathe my life. I would not live forever. Let me alone, for my days are vanity.

17 What is man, that you should magnify him. That you should set your mind upon him,

18 that you should visit him every morning, and try him every moment?

19 How long will you not look away from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

20 If I sinned, what do I to you, O you watcher of men? Why do you set me as a mark for you, so I am a burden to myself?

21 Why do you not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I will not be.

Chapter 8

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, and said:

2 How long will you speak these things? How long will the words of your mouth be like a mighty wind?

3 Does Yahwah pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

4 If your children sinned against Him, and He delivered them into the hand of their transgression,

5 if you would seek diligently to Yahwah, and make your supplication to the Almighty,

6 if you were pure and upright, surely now He would awake for you, and make the habitation of your righteousness prosperous.

7 Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase.

8 I pray you, inquire of the former age. Apply yourself to what their fathers searched out

9 (We are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow).

10 Shall they not teach you, tell you, and utter words out of their heart?

11 Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the reeds grow without water?

12 While it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withers before any other herb.

13 So are the paths of all who forget Yahwah. The hope of the unrighteous man will perish.

14 His confidence will break in pieces, and whose trust is a spider's web.

15 He will lean upon his house, but it will not stand. He will hold fast by it, but it will not endure.

16 He is green before the sun, and his shoots go forth over his garden.

17 His roots are wrapped about the stone-heap, he beholds the place of stones.

18 If he is destroyed from his place, then it will deny him, saying: I do not see you.

19 Behold, this is the joy of his way. Out of the earth others will spring.

20 Behold, Yahwah will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he uphold the evil-doers.

21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

22 Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no more.

Chapter 9

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 Of a truth I know it is so. But how can man be just with Yahwah?

3 If He is pleased to contend with him, he cannot answer Him one of a thousand.

4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength. Who hardens himself against Him, and prospers?

5 He removes the mountains, and they do not know it, when He overturns them in His anger.

6 He shakes the earth out of its place, and the pillars of it tremble.

7 He commands the sun, it does not rise, and seals up the stars.

8 He stretched out the heavens alone, and treads upon the waves of the sea.

9 He made the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

10 He does great things past finding out, yea, marvellous things without number.

11 Behold, He goes by me, and I do not see Him. He passes on also, but I do not perceive Him.

12 Behold, He seizes the prey, who can hinder Him? Who will say to Him: What are you doing?

13 Yahwah will not withdraw His anger. The helpers of Rahab stoop under Him.

14 How much less will I answer Him, and choose out my words to reason with Him?

15 Though I were righteous, yet I would not answer, I would make supplication to my judge.

16 If I called, and He answered me, yet I would not believe He hearkened to my voice.

17 He breaks me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause.

18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but fills me with bitterness.

19 If we speak of strength, behold, He is mighty! If of justice, He says: Who will summon Me?

20 Though I am righteous, my own mouth will condemn me. Though I am perfect, it will prove me perverse.

21 I am perfect. I do not regard myself. I despise my life.

22 It is all one, therefore I say: He destroys the perfect and the wicked.

23 If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent.

24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of the judges. If it is not He, who is it?

25 Now my days are swifter than a post. They flee away, they see no good.

26 They are passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle who swoops on the prey.

27 If I say: I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer,

28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know you will not hold me innocent.

29 I will be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?

30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean,

31 yet you will plunge me in the ditch, and my own clothes will abhor me.

32 He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, that we should come together in judgment.

33 There is no umpire between us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

34 Let Him take His rod away from me, and let His terror not make me afraid.

35 Then I would speak, and not fear Him. For I am not so in myself.

Chapter 10

1 My soul is weary of my life. I give free course to my complaint. I speak in the bitterness of my soul.

2 I say to Yahwah: Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.

3 Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

4 Do you have eyes of flesh? Or do you see as man sees?

5 Are your days as the days of man, or your years as man's days,

6 that you inquire after my iniquity, and search after my sin?

7 You know I am not wicked, there is none who can deliver out of your hand.

8 Your hands framed me, and fashioned me together round about, yet you destroy me.

9 Remember, I beg you, you fashioned me as clay. Will you bring me into dust again?

10 Did you not pour me out as milk, and curdle me like cheese?

11 You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.

12 You granted me life and lovingkindness. Your visitation preserves my spirit.

13 Yet these things you hid in your heart. I know this is with you.

14 If I sin, then you mark me, and you will not acquit me from my iniquity.

15 If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, yet I will not lift up my head, being filled with ignominy, and looking upon my affliction.

16 If my head exalt itself, you hunt me as a lion. Again you show yourself marvellous upon me.

17 You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your indignation upon me. Changes and warfare are with me.

18 Why then did you bring me forth out of the womb? I gave up the spirit, and no eye saw me.

19 I should have been as though I was not. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.

20 Are my days not few? Cease then, let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,

21 before I go where I will not return, even to the land of darkness, and of the shadow of death.

22 The land dark as midnight, the land of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as midnight.

Chapter 11

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered, and said:

2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? Should a man full of talk be justified?

3 Should your boastings make men hold their peace? When you mock, will no man make you ashamed?

4 You say: My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.

5 But oh, that Yahwah would speak, and open His lips against you.

6 He would show you the secrets of wisdom! He is manifold in understanding. Know therefore that Yahwah exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

7 Can you by searching find out Yahwah? Can you find out the Almighty to perfection?

8 It is high as heaven, what can you do? Deeper than the grave, what can you know?

9 The measure of it is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 If He pass through, and shut up all to judgment, then who can hinder Him?

11 He knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though He does not consider it.

12 But vain man is void of understanding. Yea, man is born as a wild ass's colt.

13 Set your heart aright, and stretch out your hands toward Him.

14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let unrighteousness not dwell in your tents.

15 Surely then you will lift up your face without spot. Yea, you will be stedfast, and will not fear.

16 You will forget your misery. You will remember it as waters that are passed away, and your life will be clearer than the noonday.

17 Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.

18 You will be secure, because there is hope. Yea, you will search about you, and will take your rest in safety.

19 You will lie down, and none will make you afraid. Yea, many will make suit to you.

20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and they will have no way to flee. Their hope is the giving up of the spirit.

Chapter 12

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 No doubt but you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.

3 But I have understanding as well as you. I am not inferior to you. Yea, who does not know such things as these?

4 I am as one who is a laughing-stock to his neighbor, I who called upon Yahwah, and He answered. The just, the perfect man is a laughingstock.

5 In the thought of him who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for those whose foot slips.

6 The tents of robbers prosper, and those who provoke Yahwah are secure, into whose hand Yahwah brings abundantly.

7 Ask the beasts, and they will teach you. The birds of the heavens, and they will tell you.

8 Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. The fishes of the sea will declare to you.

9 Who does not know in all these, that the hand of Yahwah wrought this.

10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?

11 Does the ear not try words, even as the palate tastes its food?

12 With aged men is wisdom, and understanding in length of days.

13 With Yahwah is wisdom and might. He has counsel and understanding.

14 Behold, He breaks down, and it cannot be built again. He shuts up a man, and there can be no opening.

15 Behold, He withholds the waters, and they dry up. Again, He sends them out, and they overturn the earth.

16 With Him is strength and wisdom. The deceived and the deceiver are His.

17 He leads counsellors away stripped. He makes judges fools.

18 He looses the bond of kings, and He binds their loins with a girdle.

19 He leads priests away stripped, and overthrows the mighty.

20 He removes the speech of the trusty, and takes away the understanding of the elders.

21 He pours contempt upon princes, and looses the belt of the strong.

22 He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out to light the shadow of death.

23 He increases the nations, and He destroys them. He enlarges the nations, and He leads them captive.

24 He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.

25 They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them to stagger like a drunken man.

Chapter 13

1 Behold, my eye sees all this. My ear heard, and understood it.

2 What you know, the same do I also know. I am not inferior to you.

3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with Yahwah.

4 But you are forgers of lies, you are all physicians of no value.

5 Oh that you would altogether hold your peace! It would be your wisdom.

6 Hear my reasoning now, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.

7 Will you speak unrighteously for Yahwah, and talk deceitfully for Him?

8 Will you show partiality to Him? Will you contend for Yahwah?

9 Is it good that He should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive Him?

10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

11 Does His majesty make you afraid, and His dread fall upon you?

12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes. Your defences are defences of clay.

13 Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak. And let come on me what will.

14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

15 Behold, He will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before Him.

16 This also is my salvation, an unrighteous man will not come before Him.

17 Hear my speech diligently, let my declaration be in your ears.

18 Behold, I set my cause in order. I know I am righteous.

19 Who is he that will contend with me? Then I would hold my peace, and give up the spirit.

20 Only do not two things to me, then I will not hide myself from your face.

21 Withdraw your hand far from me, so your terror will not make me afraid.

22 Then call, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.

23 How many are my iniquities, and sins? Make me to know my transgression, and my sin.

24 Why do you hide your face, and hold me for your enemy?

25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

26 You write bitter things against me, and make me to inherit the iniquities of my youth.

27 You put my feet also in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet.

28 I am like a rotten thing that consumes, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Chapter 14

1 Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.

2 He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He flees also as a shadow, and does not continue.

3 Do you open your eyes upon such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?

4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.

5 His days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.

6 Look away from him, that he may rest, till he will accomplish his day, as a hireling.

7 There is hope of a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again. That the tender branch will not cease.

8 Though the root wax old in the earth, and the stock die in the ground;

9 yet it will bud through the scent of water, and put forth boughs like a plant.

10 But man dies, and is laid low. Yea, man gives up the spirit, and where is he?

11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up, so man lies down and does not rise.

12 Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.

13 Oh that you would hide me in the grave. That you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past. That you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

14 If a man die, will he live again? All the days of my warfare I would wait, till my release should come.

15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.

16 But now you number my steps, do you not watch over my sin?

17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and you fasten up my iniquity.

18 But the mountain falling comes to nothing, and the rock is removed out of its place.

19 The waters wear the stones, the overflowings wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of man.

20 You prevail for ever against him, and he passes. You change his countenance, and send him away.

21 His sons come to honor, and he does not know it. They are brought low, but he does not perceive it of them.

22 But his flesh upon him has pain, and his soul within him mourns.

Chapter 15

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, and said:

2 Should a wise man make answer with vain knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind?

3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good?

4 Yea, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before Yahwah.

5 Your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty.

6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yea, your own lips testify against you.

7 Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?

8 Did you hear the secret counsel of Yahwah? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

9 What do you know, that we do not know? What do you understand, which is not in us?

10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, much elder than your father.

11 Are the consolations of Yahwah too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?

12 Why does your heart carry you away?

13 Why do your eyes flash, that you turn your spirit against Yahwah, and let words go out of your mouth?

14 What is man, that he should be clean? He who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

15 Behold, He puts no trust in His holy ones. Yea, the heavens are not clean in His sight.

16 How much less one that is abominable and corrupt, a man that drinks iniquity like water!

17 I will show you, hear you me. I will declare what I saw.

18 (Which wise men have told from their fathers, and do not hide it.

19 To whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them).

20 The wicked man travails with pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

21 A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer will come upon him.

22 He does not believe he will return out of darkness, so he is waited for of the sword.

23 He wanders abroad for bread, saying: Where is it? He knows the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

24 Distress and anguish make him afraid. They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

25 He stretched out his hand against Yahwah, and behaved himself proudly against the Almighty.

26 He runs upon Him with a stiff neck, with the thick bosses of his bucklers.

27 He covers his face with his fatness, and gathers fat upon his loins.

28 He dwells in desolate cities, in houses no man inhabits, which are ready to become heaps.

29 He will not be rich, neither will his substance continue, neither will their possessions be extended on the earth.

30 He will not depart out of darkness. The flame will dry up his branches, and he will go away by the breath of Yahwah's mouth.

31 Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself. For vanity will be his recompense.

32 It will be accomplished before his time, and his branch will not be green.

33 He will shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and will cast off his flower as the olive-tree.

34 The company of the unrighteous will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.

35 They conceive mischief, bring forth iniquity, and their heart prepares deceit.

Chapter 16

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 I have heard many such things. Miserable comforters are you all.

3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you.

5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your grief.

6 Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

7 He made me weary. You made all my company desolate.

8 You laid hold on me, which is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me, it testifies to my face.

9 He tore me in His wrath, and persecutes me. He gnashes upon me with His teeth. My adversary sharpens His eyes upon me.

10 They gaped upon me with their mouth. They smote me upon the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

11 Yahwah delivers me to the unrighteous, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

12 I was at ease, and He broke me apart. Yea, He took me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He set me up for His mark.

13 His archers compass me round about. He cleaves my reins asunder, and does not spare. He pours out my gall upon the ground.

14 He breaks me with breach upon breach. He runs upon me like a giant.

15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and laid my horn in the dust.

16 My face is red with weeping, and the shadow of death is on my eyelids,

17 although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

18 O earth, do not cover my blood, and let my cry have no resting place.

19 Behold, my witness is in heaven, and He that vouches for me is on high.

20 My friends scoff at me. But my eye pours out tears to Yahwah,

21 that He would maintain the right of a man with Yahwah, and of a son of man with his neighbor!

22 For when a few years are come, I will go the way from which I will not return.

Chapter 17

1 My spirit is consumed, my days are extinct, the grave is ready for me.

2 Surely there are mockers with me, and my eye dwells upon their provocation.

3 Give a pledge now, be surety for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?

4 You hid their heart from understanding, therefore you will not exalt them.

5 He who denounces his friends for a prey, even the eyes of his children will fail.

6 He made me a byword of the people, and they spit in my face.

7 My eye is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.

8 Upright men will be astonished at this, and the innocent will stir up himself against the unrighteous.

9 Yet the righteous will hold on his way, and he who has clean hands will wax stronger and stronger.

10 But as for you all, come on now again. I will not find a wise man among you.

11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.

12 They change the night into day. They say the light is near to the darkness.

13 If I look for the grave as my house, if I spread my couch in the darkness,

14 if I say to corruption: You are my father; to the worm: You are my mother and my sister;

15 Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who will see it?

16 It will go down to the bars of the grave, when once there is rest in the dust.

Chapter 18

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, and said:

2 How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.

3 Why are we counted as beasts, and are become unclean in your sight?

4 You that tear yourself in your anger, will the earth be forsaken for you? Or will the rock be removed out of its place?

5 Yea, the light of the wicked will be put out, and the spark of his fire will not shine.

6 The light will be dark in his tent, and his lamp above him will be put out.

7 The steps of his strength will be straitened, and his own counsel will cast him down.

8 He is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks upon the toils.

9 A gin will take him by the heel, and a snare will lay hold on him.

10 A noose is hid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.

11 Terrors will make him afraid on every side, and will chase him at his heels.

12 His strength will be hunger-bitten, and calamity will be ready at his side.

13 The members of his body will be devoured. Yea, the first-born of death will devour his members.

14 He will be rooted out of his tent where he trusts. He will be brought to the king of terrors.

15 There will dwell in his tent what is none of his. Brimstone will be scattered upon his habitation.

16 His roots will be dried up beneath, and his branch above will be cut off.

17 His remembrance will perish from the earth, and he will have no name in the street.

18 He will be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

19 He will have neither son nor son's son among his people, nor any remaining where he sojourned.

20 Those who come after will be astonished at his day, as those who went before were affrighted.

21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous, and this is the place of him who does not know Yahwah.

Chapter 19

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 How long will you vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?

3 These ten times you have reproached me, you are not ashamed that you deal hardly with me.

4 If indeed I erred, my error remains with myself.

5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, plead my reproach against me.

6 Know that Yahwah subverted me in my cause, and compassed me with His net.

7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.

8 He walled up my way that I cannot pass, and set darkness in my paths.

9 He stripped me of my glory, and took the crown from my head.

10 He broke me down on every side, and I am gone. He plucked up my hope like a tree.

11 He kindled His wrath against me, and He counts me to Him as one of His adversaries.

12 His troops come on together, cast up their way against me, and camp round about my tent.

13 He put my brothers far from me, and my acquaintance are wholly estranged from me.

14 My kinsfolk failed, and my familiar friends forgot me.

15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight.

16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer, though I ask him with my mouth.

17 My breath is strange to my wife, and my supplication to the children of my own mother.

18 Even young children despise me, if I arise, they speak against me.

19 All my familiar friends abhor me, those who I loved are turned against me.

20 My bone cleaves to my skin and to my flesh. I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.

21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O you my friends. For the hand of Yahwah touched me.

22 Why do you persecute me as Yahwah, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

24 That with an iron pen and lead they were graven in the rock forever!

25 But as for me I know my Redeemer lives, and at last He will stand up upon the dust.

26 After my skin is destroyed, even this body, then outside my flesh I will see Yahwah.

27 I, even I, will see for myself, and my eyes will behold, and not as a stranger. My heart faints within me.

28 If you say: How we will persecute him! That the root of the matter is found in me.

29 Be afraid of the sword. For wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment.

Chapter 20

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered, and said:

2 Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

3 I heard the reproof which puts me to shame, and the spirit of my understanding answers me.

4 Do you not know this of old time: since man was placed upon earth,

5 the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the unrighteous but for a moment?

6 Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds,

7 yet he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who saw him will say: Where is he?

8 He will fly away as a dream, and will not be found. Yea, he will be chased away as a vision of the night.

9 The eye which saw him will see him no more. Neither will his place behold him any more.

10 His children will seek the favor of the poor, and his hands will give back his wealth.

11 His bones are full of his youth, but it will lie down with him in the dust.

12 Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue,

13 though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth,

14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is the gall of asps within him.

15 He swallowed down riches, and he will vomit them up again. Yahwah will cast them out of his belly.

16 He will suck the poison of asps. The viper's tongue will slay him.

17 He will not look upon the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.

18 He will restore what he labored for, and will not swallow it down. He will not rejoice according to the substance he got.

19 He oppressed and forgot the poor. He violently took away a house, and he will not build it up.

20 Because he knew no quietness within him, he will not save any of that in which he delights.

21 There was nothing left that he does not devour. Therefore his prosperity will not endure.

22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he will be in straits. The hand of every one who is in misery will come upon him.

23 When he is about to fill his belly, Yahwah will cast the fierceness of His wrath upon him, and will rain it upon him while he is eating.

24 He will flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of bronze will strike him through.

25 He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yea, the glittering point comes out of his gall. Terrors are upon him.

26 All darkness is laid up for his treasures. A fire not blown by man will devour him. It will consume what is left in his tent.

27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him.

28 The increase of his house will depart. His goods will flow away in the day of his wrath.

29 This is the portion of a wicked man from Yahwah, and the heritage appointed to him by Yahwah.

Chapter 21

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 Hear my speech diligently. Let this be your consolations.

3 Allow me, and I also will speak. After I speak, mock on.

4 As for me, is my complaint to man? Why should I not be impatient?

5 Mark me, be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

6 Even when I remember I am troubled, and horror takes hold on my flesh.

7 Why do the wicked live, become old, yea, and wax mighty in power?

8 Their seed is established with them in their sight, and their offspring before their eyes.

9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of Yahwah upon them.

10 Their bull genders, and does not fail. Their cow calves, and does not cast her calf.

11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

12 They sing to the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

13 They spend their days in prosperity, and in a moment they go down to the grave.

14 They say to Yahwah: Depart from us. We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.

15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? What profit should we have, if we pray to Him?

16 Lo, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

17 How often is it the lamp of the wicked is put out? That their calamity comes upon them? That Yahwah distributes sorrows in His anger?

18 That they are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carries away?

19 You say: Yahwah lays up his iniquity for his children. Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.

20 Let his own eyes see his destruction, and let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21 For what does he care for his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off?

22 Shall any teach Yahwah knowledge, seeing He judges those who are high?

23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

24 His pails are full of milk, and the marrow of his bones is moistened.

25 Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.

26 They lie down alike in the dust, and the worm covers them.

27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices with which you would wrong me.

28 You say: Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent where the wicked dwelt?

29 Do you not ask wayfaring men? Do you not know their evidences,

30 that the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity? That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

31 Who will declare his way to his face? Who will repay him what he did?

32 Yet will he be borne to the grave, and men will keep watch over the tomb.

33 The clods of the valley will be sweet to him, and all men will draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.

34 How then do you comfort me in vain, seeing in your answers there remains only falsehood?

Chapter 22

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, and said:

2 Can a man be profitable to Yahwah? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.

3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him, that you make your ways perfect?

4 Is it for your fear of Him that He reproves you, that He enters with you into judgment?

5 Is your wickedness not great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

6 You took pledges of your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

7 You did not give water to the weary to drink, and you withheld bread from the hungry.

8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honorable man, he dwelt in it.

9 You sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless were broken.

10 Therefore snares are round about you, and sudden fear troubles you.

11 Or darkness, so you can not see, and abundance of waters cover you.

12 Is Yahwah not in the height of heaven? Behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

13 You say: What does Yahwah know? Can He judge through the thick darkness?

14 Thick clouds are a covering to Him, so that He does not see. He walks on the vault of heaven.

15 Will you keep the old way which wicked men trod?

16 Who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream?

17 Who said to Yahwah: Depart from us. And: What can the Almighty do for us?

18 Yet He filled their houses with good things. But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

19 The righteous see it, and are glad. The innocent laugh them to scorn,

20 saying: Surely those who rose up against us are cut off, and the fire consumed the remnant of them.

21 Acquaint yourself with Him now, and be at peace. That way good will come to you.

22 I pray you, receive the law from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up. If you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.

24 Lay your treasure in the dust, and the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks,

25 and the Almighty will be your treasure, precious silver to you.

26 Then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and will lift up your face to Yahwah.

27 You will make your prayer to Him, and He will hear you. You will pay your vows.

28 You will also decree a thing, and it will be established to you. Light will shine upon your ways.

29 When they cast you down, you will say: There is lifting up. He saves the humble person.

30 He will deliver even him who is not innocent. Yea, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.

Chapter 23

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 Even today my complaint is rebellious. My stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find Him! That I might come even to His seat!

4 I would set my cause in order before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words He would answer me, and understand what He would say to me.

6 Would He contend with me in the greatness of His power? Nay. He would give heed to me.

7 There the upright might reason with Him. So should I be delivered forever from my judge.

8 Behold, I go forward, but He is not there. And backward, but I cannot perceive Him.

9 On the left hand, when He works, but I cannot behold Him. He hides Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him.

10 But He knows the way I take. When He tries me, I will come forth as gold.

11 My foot holds fast to His steps. I kept His way, and not turned aside.

12 I do not go back from the commandments of His lips. I treasure up the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

13 But He is in one mind, and who can turn Him? What His soul desires, even that He does.

14 He performs what is appointed for me. Many such things are with Him.

15 Therefore I am terrified at His presence. When I consider, I am afraid of Him.

16 Yahwah made my heart faint. The Almighty terrifies me.

17 I was not cut off before the darkness. Neither did He cover the thick darkness from my face.

Chapter 24

1 Why are times not laid up by the Almighty? Why do those who know Him not see His days?

2 There are those who remove the landmarks. They violently take away flocks, and feed them.

3 They drive away the ass of the fatherless. They take the widow's ox for a pledge.

4 They turn the needy out of the way. The poor of the earth all hide themselves.

5 Behold, as wild asses in the desert they go forth to their work, seeking diligently for food. The wilderness yields them bread for their children.

6 They cut their provender in the field. They glean the vintage of the wicked.

7 They lie all night naked without clothing, and have no covering in the cold.

8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

9 There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.

10 So that they go about naked without clothing, and being hungry they carry the sheaves.

11 They make oil within the walls of these men. They tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.

12 From out of the populous city men groan, and the soul of the wounded cries out. Yet Yahwah does not regard the folly.

13 These are of those who rebel against the light. They do not know the ways of light, nor abide in the paths of light.

14 The murderer rises with the light, he kills the poor and needy. In the night he is as a thief.

15 The eye also of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying: No eye will see me. He disguises his face.

16 In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They do not know the light.

17 The morning is to all of them as thick darkness. They know the terrors of the thick darkness.

18 Swiftly they pass away upon the face of the waters. Their portion is cursed in the earth. They do not turn into the way of the vineyards.

19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters. So does the grave those who sin.

20 The womb will forget him. The worm will feed sweetly on him. He will not be remembered. Unrighteousness will be broken as a tree.

21 He devoures the barren who do not bear, and does no good to the widow.

22 Yet Yahwah preserves the mighty by His power. He who has no assurance of life rises up.

23 Yahwah gives them to be in security, and they rest there. His eyes are upon their ways.

24 They are exalted. Yet a little while, and they are gone. Yea, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.

25 If it is not so now, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?

Chapter 25

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, and said:

2 Dominion and fear are with Him. He makes peace in His high places.

3 Is there any number of His armies? Upon whom does His sun not arise?

4 How then can man be just with Yahwah? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

5 Behold, even the moon has no brightness, and the stars are not pure in His sight.

6 How much less man, that is a worm! The son of man, that is a worm!

Chapter 26

1 Then Yahb answered, and said:

2 How you help him who is without power! How you save the arm that has no strength!

3 How you counsel him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declare sound knowledge!

4 To who do you utter words? Whose spirit came forth from you?

5 Those who are deceased tremble beneath the waters, all the inhabitants there.

6 The grave is naked before Yahwah, and Abaddon has no covering.

7 He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth upon nothing.

8 He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not torn under them.

9 He incloses the face of His throne, and spreads His cloud upon it.

10 He described a boundary upon the face of the waters, to the confines of light and darkness.

11 The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at His rebuke.

12 He stirs up the sea with His power, and He smites through Rahab by His understanding.

13 The heavens are garnished by His Spirit. His hand pierces the swift serpent.

14 Lo, these are but the outskirts of His ways. How small a whisper do we hear of Him! Who can understand the thunder of His power?

Chapter 27

1 Yahb again took up his parable, and said:

2 As Yahwah lives, who took away my right. The Almighty, who vexed my soul

3 (For my life is yet whole in me, and the Spirit of Yahwah is in my nostrils).

4 Surely my lips will not speak unrighteousness, neither will my tongue utter deceit.

5 Far be it from me that I should justify you. Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.

6 I hold my righteousness fast, and will not let it go. My heart will not reproach me so long as I live.

7 Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.

8 What is the hope of the unrighteous, though he get him gain, when Yahwah takes away his soul?

9 Will Yahwah hear his cry, when trouble comes upon him?

10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty, and call upon Yahwah at all times?

11 I will teach you concerning the hand of Yahwah. I will not conceal what is with the Almighty.

12 Behold, all you yourselves have seen it. Why then are you become altogether vain?

13 This is the portion of a wicked man with Yahwah, and the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty:

14 If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. His offspring will not be satisfied with bread.

15 Those that remain of him will be buried in death. His widows will make no lamentation.

16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare clothing as the clay,

17 he may prepare it, but the just will put it on, and the innocent will divide the silver.

18 He builds his house as the moth, and as a booth the keeper makes.

19 He lies down rich, but he will not be gathered to his fathers. He opens his eyes, and he is not.

20 Terrors overtake him like waters. A tempest steals him away in the night.

21 The east wind carries him away, and he departs. It sweeps him out of his place.

22 Yahwah will hurl at him, and not spare. He would like to flee out of his hand.

23 Men will clap their hands at him, and will hiss him out of his place.

Chapter 28

1 Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for the gold they refine.

2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is molten out of the stone.

3 Man sets an end to darkness, and searches out, to the furthest bound, the stones of obscurity, and of thick darkness.

4 He breaks open a shaft away from where men sojourn. They are forgotten of the foot. They hang afar from men, they swing to and fro.

5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread. And underneath it is turned up as it were by fire.

6 The stones of it are the place of sapphires, and it has dust of gold.

7 That path no bird of prey knows, neither can the falcon's eye see it.

8 The proud beasts can not tread it, nor has the fierce lion passed by there.

9 He puts forth His hand upon the flinty rock. He overturns the mountains by the roots.

10 He cuts out channels among the rocks, and His eye sees every precious thing.

11 He binds the streams that they not trickle. The thing that is hid He brings forth to light.

12 But where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?

13 Man does not know the price of it. Neither is it found in the land of the living.

14 The deep says: It is not in me. The sea says: It is not with me.

15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for the price of it.

16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

17 Gold and glass cannot equal it, neither will it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

18 No mention will be made of coral or of crystal. Yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies.

19 The topaz of Ethiopia will not equal it, neither will it be valued with pure gold.

20 Then where does wisdom come from? Where is the place of understanding?

21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept secret from the birds of the heavens.

22 Destruction and Death say: We heard a rumor about it with our ears.

23 Yahwah understands the way of it, and He knows the place of it.

24 He looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heaven,

25 to make a weight for the wind. Yea, He metes out the waters by measure.

26 When He made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder,

27 then He saw it, and declared it. He established it, yea, and searched it out.

28 He said to man: Behold, the fear of Yahwah, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.

Chapter 29

1 Yahb took up his parable again, and said:

2 Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when Yahwah watched over me,

3 when His lamp shined upon my head, and I walked through darkness by His light.

4 As I was in the ripeness of my days, when the friendship of Yahwah was upon my tent,

5 when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were about me.

6 When my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured me out streams of oil!

7 When I went forth to the gate to the city, when I prepared my seat in the street,

8 the young men saw me, and hid themselves, the aged rose up and stood.

9 The princes refrained from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

10 The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

11 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me. When the eye saw me, it gave witness to me.

12 Because I delivered the poor who cried. The fatherless also, who had none to help him.

13 The blessing of him who was ready to perish came upon me. I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My justice was as a robe and a diadem.

15 I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.

16 I was a father to the needy. I searched out the cause of him who I did not know.

17 I broke the jaws of the unrighteous, and plucked the prey out of his teeth.

18 Then I said: I will die in my nest, I will multiply my days as the sand.

19 My root is spread out to the waters, the dew lies upon my branch all night.

20 My glory is fresh in me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.

21 Men gave ear to me, waited, and kept silence for my advice.

22 After my words they did not speak again. My speech distilled upon them.

23 They waited for me as for the rain. They opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.

24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They did not cast down the light of my countenance.

25 I chose out their way, sat as chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.

Chapter 30

1 But now those who are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I disdained to set with the dogs of my flock.

2 Yea, the strength of their hands, how should it profit me? Men in whom ripe age is perished.

3 They are gaunt with want and famine. They gnaw the dry ground, in the gloom of wasteness and desolation.

4 They pluck salt-wort by the bushes. The roots of the broom are their food.

5 They are driven forth from the midst of men. They cry after them as after a thief,

6 so they dwell in frightful valleys, in holes of the earth, and of the rocks.

7 Among the bushes they bray, under the nettles they are gathered together.

8 They are children of fools, yea, children of base men. They were scourged out of the land.

9 Now I am become their song. Yea, I am a byword to them.

10 They abhor me, they stand aloof from me, and do not hesitate to spit in my face.

11 He loosed His cord, and afflicted me. They cast off the bridle before me.

12 Upon my right hand rise the rabble. They thrust aside my feet, and they cast up against me their ways of destruction.

13 They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, even men who have no helper.

14 As through a wide breach they come. In the midst of the ruin they roll themselves upon me.

15 Terrors are turned upon me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare is passed away as a cloud.

16 My soul is poured out within me. Days of affliction take hold upon me.

17 In the night season my bones are pierced in me, and the pains that gnaw me take no rest.

18 My garment is disfigured by Yahwah's great force. It binds me about as the collar of my coat.

19 He cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.

20 I cry to You, and You do not answer me. I stand up, and You gaze at me.

21 You are turned to be cruel to me. You persecute me with the might of Your hand.

22 You lift me up to the wind, You cause me to ride upon it, and You dissolve me in the storm.

23 I know You will bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.

24 However does one not stretch out the hand in his fall? Or cry for help in his calamity?

25 Did I not weep for him who was in trouble? Was my soul not grieved for the needy?

26 When I looked for good, then evil came. When I waited for light, there came darkness.

27 My heart is troubled, and does not rest. Days of affliction are come upon me.

28 I go mourning without the sun. I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help.

29 I am a brother to jackals, a companion to ostriches.

30 My skin is black, and falls from me. My bones are burned with heat.

31 Therefore my harp is turned to mourning, and my pipe into the voice of those who weep.

Chapter 31

1 I made a covenant with my eyes. How then should I look upon a virgin?

2 What is the portion from Yahwah above, and the heritage from the Almighty on high?

3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity?

4 Does He not see my ways, and number all my steps?

5 If I walk with falsehood, and my foot hastens to deceit,

6 let me be weighed in an even balance, that Yahwah may know my integrity.

7 If my step turns out of The Way, and my heart walks after my eyes, and if any spot cleaves to my hands,

8 then let me sow, and let another eat. Yea, let the produce of my field be rooted out.

9 If my heart was enticed to a woman, and I laid wait at my neighbor's door,

10 then let my wife grind to another, and let others bow down upon her.

11 For that were a heinous crime. Yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges.

12 It is a fire that consumes to Destruction, and would root out all my increase.

13 If I despised the cause of my man-servant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me,

14 what then will I do when Yahwah rises up? When He visits, what will I answer Him?

15 Did He who made me in the womb not make him? Did the same one fashion us in the womb?

16 If I withheld the poor from their desire, or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,

17 or ate my morsel alone, and the fatherless did not eat

18 (Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, and I guided her from my mother's womb),

19 if I saw any perish for want of clothing, or that the needy had no covering,

20 if his loins did not bless me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep,

21 if I lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,

22 then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, and my arm be broken from the bone.

23 Calamity from Yahwah is a terror to me, I can do nothing by reason of His majesty.

24 If I made gold my hope, and said to the fine gold: You are my confidence;

25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand got much,

26 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness,

27 and my heart was secretly enticed, and my mouth kissed my hand,

28 this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judges. For I would have denied the Father that is above.

29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him

30 (Yea, I did not allow my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse),

31 if the men of my tent did not say: Who can find one who is not filled with meat?

32 (The sojourner does not lodge in the street, but I opened my doors to the traveller);

33 if I covered my transgressions like Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom,

34 because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of the door;

35 Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me). That I had the indictment my adversary wrote!

36 Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder. I would bind it to me as a crown.

37 I would declare to Him the number of my steps. As a prince I would go near to Him.

38 If my land cries out against me, and the furrows weep together,

39 if I ate the fruits without money, or caused the owners to lose their life,

40 let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Yahb are ended.

Chapter 32

1 So these three men ceased to answer Yahb, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2 Then the wrath was kindled of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. Against Yahb his wrath was kindled, because he justified himself rather than Yahwah.

3 Also against his three friends his wrath was kindled, because they found no answer, and yet condemned Yahb.

4 Now Elihu waited to speak to Yahb, because they were elder than he.

5 When Elihu saw there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, and said: I am young, and you are very old. So I held back, and dared not show you my opinion.

7 I said: Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8 But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

10 Therefore I said: Hearken to me. I also will show my opinion.

11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended to you. Behold, there was none among you who convinced Yahb, or who answered his words.

13 Beware you do not say: We found wisdom. Yahwah may vanquish him, not man.

14 He did not direct his words against me. Neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They are amazed, they answer no more. They have not a word to say.

16 Will I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

17 I also will answer my part, I also will show my opinion.

18 For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.

19 Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent. Like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.

21 I pray you, let me not respect any man's person. Nor will I give flattering titles to any man.

22 I do not know to give flattering titles. Else my Maker would soon take me away.

Chapter 33

1 However, Yahb, I pray you, hear my speech, and hearken to all my words.

2 Behold, I opened my mouth. My tongue spoke in my mouth.

3 My words will utter the uprightness of my heart. What my lips know they will speak sincerely.

4 The Spirit of Yahwah made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

5 If you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, stand forth.

6 Behold, I am toward Yahwah even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.

7 Behold, my terror will not make you afraid, neither will my pressure be heavy upon you.

8 Surely you spoke in my hearing, and I heard the voice of your words, saying:

9 I am clean, without transgression. I am innocent, nor is there iniquity in me.

10 Behold, He finds occasions against me, He counts me for His enemy.

11 He puts my feet in the stocks, He marks all my paths.

12 Behold, I will answer you, in this you are not just. For Yahwah is greater than man.

13 Why do you strive against Him, since He gives no account of any of His matters?

14 Yahwah speaks once, yea twice, though man does not regard it.

15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumberings upon the bed,

16 then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,

17 that He may withdraw man from His purpose, and hide pride from man.

18 He keeps his soul back from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and with continual strife in his bones.

20 His life abhorrs bread, and his soul dainty food.

21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.

22 Yea, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.

23 If there is a helper with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him,

24 then Yahwah is gracious to him, and says: Deliver him from going down to the pit, I found a ransom.

25 His flesh will be fresher than a child's. He returns to the days of his youth.

26 He prays to Yahwah, and He is favorable to him, so he sees His face with joy. He restores his righteousness to man.

27 He sings before men, and says: I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it did not profit me.

28 He redeemed my soul from going into the pit, and my life beholds the light.

29 Lo, Yahwah works all these things. Twice, yea thrice, with a man.

30 To bring his soul back from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.

31 Mark well, O Yahb, hearken to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.

32 If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you.

33 If not, hearken to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.

Chapter 34

1 Moreover Elihu answered, and said:

2 Hear my words, you wise men. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

3 For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food.

4 Let us choose what is right for us. Let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 Yahb said: I am righteous, and Yahwah took away my right.

6 In spite of my right I am accounted a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.

7 What man is like Yahb, who drinks up scoffing like water,

8 who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked men?

9 He said: It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with Yahwah.

10 Therefore hearken to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from Yahwah, that He should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that He should commit iniquity.

11 He will render the work of a man to him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.

12 Yea, of a surety, Yahwah will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

13 Who gave Him a charge over the earth? Or who disposed the whole world?

14 If He set His heart upon Himself, if He gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,

15 all flesh will perish together. Man will turn again to dust.

16 If now you have understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words.

17 Shall one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him that is righteous and mighty?

18 He who says to a king: You are vile. Or to nobles: You are wicked.

19 He does not respect the persons of princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor. For they are all the work of His hands.

20 In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken, pass away, and the mighty are taken away without hand.

21 His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his goings.

22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 He does not need to consider a man further, that he should go before Yahwah in judgment.

24 He breaks mighty men in pieces, in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.

25 He takes knowledge of their works. He overturns them in the night, so they are destroyed.

26 He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others,

27 because they turned aside from following Him, and would not have regard in any of His ways.

28 So they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him, and He heard the cry of the afflicted.

29 When He gives quietness, who then can condemn? When He hides His face, who then can behold Him? Alike whether it is done to a nation, or to a man.

30 That the unrighteous man not reign, that there be none to ensnare the people.

31 Who said to Yahwah: I bore chastisement, I will not offend any more?

32 Teach me what I do not see. If I do iniquity, will I do it no more?

33 Shall his recompense be as you will, that you refuse it? You must choose, and not I. Therefore speak what you know.

34 Men of understanding will say to me, yea, every wise man who hears me;

35 Yahb speaks without knowledge, his words are without wisdom.

36 Would that Yahb were tried to the end, because of his answering like wicked men.

37 He adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against Yahwah.

Chapter 35

1 Moreover Elihu answered, and said:

2 Do you think this to be your right? Or do you say: My righteousness is more than Yahwah's?

3 That you say: What advantage will it be to you? What profit will I have, more than if I had sinned?

4 I will answer you, and your companions with you.

5 Look to the heavens, and see. Behold the skies, which are higher than you.

6 If you sin, what effect do you have against Him? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?

7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive of your hand?

8 Your wickedness may hurt a man as you are, and your righteousness may profit a son of man.

9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.

10 But none says: Where is Yahwah my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

11 who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?

12 There they cry, but none gives answer, because of the pride of evil men.

13 Surely Yahwah will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.

14 How much less when you say you do not behold Him. The cause is before Him, and you wait for Him!

15 He does not visit in His anger, neither does He greatly regard arrogance.

16 Therefore Yahb opens his mouth in vanity, He multiplies words without knowledge.

Chapter 36

1 Elihu also proceeded, and said:

2 Allow me a little, and I will show you. I have yet somewhat to say on Yahwah's behalf.

3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4 For truly my words are not false. One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5 Behold, Yahwah is mighty, and does not despise any. He is mighty in strength of understanding.

6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked, but gives to the afflicted their right.

7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous. But with kings upon the throne He sets them for ever, and they are exalted.

8 If they are bound in fetters, and are taken in the cords of afflictions,

9 then He shows them their work, and their transgressions, that they behaved themselves proudly.

10 He opens their ear to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.

11 If they hearken, and serve Him, they will spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

12 But if they do not hearken, they will perish by the sword, and they will die without knowledge.

13 Those who are unrighteous in heart lay up anger. They do not cry for help when He binds them.

14 They die in youth, and their life perishes among the unclean.

15 He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.

16 Yea, he would have allured you out of distress into a broad place, where there is no straightness. What is set on your table would be full of fatness.

17 But you are full of the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold on you.

18 Do not let wrath stir you up against chastisements. Neither let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.

19 Will your cry avail, that you not be in distress, or all the forces of your strength?

20 Do not desire the night, when peoples are cut off in their place.

21 Take heed, do not regard iniquity. For this you chose, rather than affliction.

22 Behold, Yahwah does loftily in His power. Who is a teacher like to Him?

23 Who enjoined Him His way? Or who can say: You wrought unrighteousness?

24 Remember that you magnify His work, of which men sing.

25 All men look on. Man beholds it afar off.

26 Behold, Yahwah is great, and we do not know Him. The number of His years is unsearchable.

27 He draws up the drops of water, which distil in rain from His vapor,

28 which the skies pour down abundantly, and drop upon man.

29 Yea, can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, the thunderings of His pavilion?

30 Behold, He spreads His light around Him. He covers the bottom of the sea.

31 For by these He judges the peoples. He gives food in abundance.

32 He covers His hands with the lightning, and gives it a charge that it strike the mark.

33 The noise of it tells concerning Him, the cattle also concerning the storm that comes up.

Chapter 37

1 Yea, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.

2 Hear, oh, hear the noise of His voice, and the sound that goes out of His mouth.

3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, and His lightning to the ends of the earth.

4 After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of His majesty. He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard.

5 Yahwah thunders marvellously with His voice. Great things He does, which we cannot comprehend.

6 He says to the snow: Fall on the earth. Likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of His mighty rain.

7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men who He made may know it.

8 Then the beasts go into hiding, and remain in their dens.

9 Out of the chamber of the south comes the storm, and cold out of the north.

10 By the breath of Yahwah ice is given. The breadth of the waters is narrowed.

11 Yea, He lades the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of His lightning,

12 and it is turned round about by His guidance, that they may do whatsoever He commands them upon the face of the habitable world.

13 Whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for lovingkindness, that He cause it to come.

14 Hearken to this, O Yahb: Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of Yahwah.

15 Do you know how Yahwah lays His charge upon them, and causes the lightning of His cloud to shine?

16 Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?

17 Do you know how your garments are warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?

18 Can you spread out the sky with Him, which is strong as a molten mirror?

19 Teach us what we will say to Him. For we cannot set our speech in order by reason of darkness.

20 Shall it be told Him that I would speak? Or should a man wish He were swallowed up?

21 Men do not see the light which is bright in the skies. But the wind passes, and clears them.

22 Out of the north comes golden splendor. Yahwah has terrible majesty upon Him.

23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out, He is excellent in power. In justice and plenteous righteousness He will not afflict.

24 Men do therefore fear Him. He does not regard any who are wise of heart.

Chapter 38

1 Then Yahwah [YHWH] answered Yahb [Job] out of the whirlwind, and said:

2 Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

3 Gird up your loins like a man. I will demand of you, and you declare to me.

4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.

5 Who determined the measure of it, if you know? Or who stretched the line upon it?

6 What are the foundations fastened to? Or who laid the corner-stone,

7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Yahwah shouted for joy?

8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it issued out of the womb.

9 When I made clouds the garment for of, and thick darkness a swaddling-band for it,

10 and marked out my bound for it, and set bars and doors,

11 and said: Here you will come, but no further, and here your proud waves will be stayed?

12 Do you command the morning since your days began, and cause the dayspring to know its place,

13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?

14 It is changed as clay under the seal, and all things stand forth as a garment.

15 Their light is withheld from the wicked, and the high arm is broken.

16 Can you enter into the springs of the sea? Or can you walk in the recesses of the deep?

17 Are the gates of death revealed to you? Do you see the gates of the shadow of death?

18 Do you comprehend the earth in its breadth? Declare, if you know it all.

19 Where is the way to the dwelling of light? As for darkness, where is its place,

20 that you should take it to the boundary, and that you should discern the paths to the house?

21 Doubtless, you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!

22 Can you enter the treasuries of the snow, or see the treasures of the hail

23 which I reserve against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

24 By what way is the light parted, or the east wind scattered upon the earth?

25 Who cut a channel for the waterflood, or the way for the lightning of the thunder,

26 to cause it to rain on a land where no man is? On the wilderness, where there is no man,

27 to satisfy the waste and desolate ground, and to cause the tender grass to spring forth?

28 Has the rain a father? Who begot the drops of dew?

29 Out of whose womb did the ice come? The hoary frost of heaven, who gendered it?

30 The waters hide themselves, become like stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.

31 Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

32 Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth [Constellations of the Zodiac] in their season? Or can you guide the Bear [Ursa Major] with her train?

33 Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish the dominion of it in the earth?

34 Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover you?

35 Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go, and say to you: Here we are?

36 Who put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who gives understanding to the mind?

37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,

38 when the dust runs into a mass, and the clods cleave fast together?

39 Can you hunt the prey for the lioness, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

40 when they couch in their dens, and hide in the cover to lie in wait?

41 Who provides his prey for the raven, when his young ones cry to Yahwah, and wander for lack of food?

Chapter 39

1 Do you know the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? Or can you mark when the hinds calve?

2 Can you number the months they fulfil? Or do you know the time when they bring forth?

3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young, they cast out their pains.

4 Their young ones become strong, they grow up in the open field. They go forth, and do not return again.

5 Who sent the wild ass out free? Or who loosed the bonds of the swift ass,

6 whose home I made the wilderness, and the salt land his dwelling-place?

7 He scorns the tumult of the city, neither does he hear the shoutings of the driver.

8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searches after every green thing.

9 Will the wild-ox be content to serve you? Or will he abide by your crib?

10 Can you bind the wild-ox with his band in the furrow? Or will he harrow the valleys after you?

11 Will you trust him, because his strength is great? Or will you leave your labor to him?

12 Will you confide in him, that he will bring your seed home, and gather the grain of your threshing-floor?

13 The wings of the ostrich wave proudly, but are they the pinions and plumage of love?

14 She leaves her eggs on the earth, warms them in the dust,

15 and forgets that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may trample them.

16 She deals hardly with her young ones, as if they were not hers. Though her labor is in vain, she is without fear,

17 because Yahwah deprived her of wisdom. Neither did He impart understanding to her.

18 When she lifts up herself on high, she scorns the horse and his rider.

19 Did you give the horse his might? Did you clothe his neck with the quivering mane?

20 Did you make him to leap as a locust? The glory of his snorting is terrible.

21 He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength. He goes out to meet the armed men.

22 He mocks at fear, and is not dismayed. Neither does he turn back from the sword.

23 The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear, and the javelin.

24 He swallows the ground with fierceness, and rage. Neither does he believe it is the voice of the trumpet.

25 As often as the trumpet sounds he says: Aha! He smells the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

26 Is it by your wisdom the hawk soars, [and] stretches her wings toward the south?

27 Is it at your command the eagle mounts up, and makes her nest on high?

28 On the cliff she dwells, and makes her home. Upon the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.

29 She spies out the prey from there. Her eyes behold it afar off.

30 Her young ones also suck up blood. Where the slain are, there she is.

Chapter 40

1 Moreover Yahwah answered Yahb, and said:

2 Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with Yahwah, let him answer it.

3 Then Yahb answered Yahwah, and said:

4 Behold, I am of small account, what will I answer you? I lay my hand upon my mouth.

5 Once I spoke, and I will not answer. Yea, twice, but I will proceed no further.

6 Then Yahwah answered Yahb out of the whirlwind, and said:

7 Gird up your loins now like a man. I will demand of you, and you declare to me.

8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?

9 Have you an Arm like Yahwah? Can you thunder with a voice like Him?

10 Deck yourself now with excellency and dignity, array yourself with honor and majesty.

11 Pour forth the overflowings of your anger, look upon every one who is proud, and abase him.

12 Look on every one who is proud, and bring him low. Tread down the wicked where they stand.

13 Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.

14 Then I will also confess of you that your own right hand can save you.

15 Behold now, Behemoth, which I made as well as you. He eats grass as an ox.

16 Look now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the muscles of his belly.

17 He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

18 His bones are as tubes of bronze. His limbs are like bars of iron.

19 He is the chief of the ways of Yahwah. Only He who made him gives him his sword.

20 Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play.

21 He lies under the lotus-trees, in the cover of the reed, and the fen.

22 The lotus-trees cover him with their shade. The willows of the brook compass him about.

23 Behold, if a river overflow, he does not tremble. He is confident, though a Jordan River swell even to his mouth.

24 Shall any take him when he is on the watch, or pierce through his nose with a snare?

Chapter 41

1 Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook? Or press down his tongue with a cord?

2 Can you put a rope into his nose? Or pierce his jaw through with a hook?

3 Will he make many supplications to you? Or will he speak soft words to you?

4 Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?

5 Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your maidens?

6 Will the bands of fishermen make traffic of him? Will they part him among the merchants?

7 Can you fill his skin with barbed irons, or his head with fish-spears?

8 Lay your hand upon him, remember the battle, and do so no more.

9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Will one not be cast down even at the sight of him?

10 None is so fierce that he dare stir him up. Who then is he who can stand before Me?

11 Who gave to Me first, that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine.

12 I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, nor his mighty strength, nor his goodly frame.

13 Who can strip off his outer garment? Who will come within his jaws?

14 Who can open the doors of his face? Round about his teeth is terror.

15 His strong scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.

16 One is so near to another that no air can come between them.

17 They are joined one to another. They stick together, so they cannot be separated.

18 His sneezings flash forth light. His eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

19 Out of his mouth go burning torches, and sparks of fire leap forth.

20 Out of his nostrils a smoke goes, as of a boiling pot, and burning rushes.

21 His breath kindles coals, a flame goes forth from his mouth.

22 In his neck abides strength, terror dances before him.

23 The flakes of his flesh are joined together. They are firm upon him, they cannot be moved.

24 His heart is as firm as a stone. Yea, firm as the nether millstone.

25 When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid. By reason of consternation they are beside themselves.

26 If one lay at him with the sword, it cannot avail. Nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

27 He counts iron as straw, and bronze as rotten wood.

28 The arrow cannot make him flee. With him sling-stones are turned into stubble.

29 Clubs are counted as stubble. He laughs at the rushing of the javelin.

30 His underparts are like sharp potsherds. He spreads as it were a threshing-wain upon the mire.

31 He makes the deep to boil like a pot. He makes the sea like a pot of ointment.

32 He makes a path to shine after him. One would think the deep to be hoary.

33 Upon earth there is not his like, that is made without fear.

34 He beholds everything that is high. He is king over all the sons of pride.

Chapter 42

1 Then Yahb answered Yahwah, and said:

2 I know you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.

3 Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I uttered what I do not understand. Things too wonderful for me, which I do not know.

4 Hear, I beg you, and I will speak. I will demand of you, and you declare to me.

5 I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.

6 Now I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

7 It was so, after Yahwah spoke these words to Yahb, Yahwah said to Eliphaz the Temanite: My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends, for you did not speak of me the thing that is right, as my servant Yahb did.

8 Now therefore, take to you seven bullocks and seven rams, go to my servant Yahb, and offer up for yourselves a burnt-offering. My servant Yahb will pray for you (for I accept him) that I not deal with you after your folly. You did not say of me the thing that is right, as did my servant Yahb.

9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as Yahwah commanded them. Yahwah accepted Yahb.

10 Yahwah turned the captivity of Yahb, when he prayed for his friends. Yahwah gave Yahb twice as much as he had before.

11 Then there came to him all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who were of his acquaintance before, and ate bread with him in his house. They bemoaned him, and comforted him concerning all the evil Yahwah brought upon him. Every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one a ring of gold.

12 So Yahwah blessed the latter end of Yahb more than his beginning. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses.

13 He also had seven sons and three daughters.

14 He called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch.

15 In all the land no women were found so fair as the daughters of Yahb. Their father gave them inheritance among their brothers.

16 After this Yahb lived a hundred and forty years, saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.

17 So Yahb died, being old, and full of days.









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