Job

1 "Call now. Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

2 To be bitter kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the child-like.

3 I have seen the fool taking root, but right away his house was cursed.

4 His sons are far from being safe. They are destroyed in the gate, and there is no one to help them.

5 The hungry eat the food of his field. They take it even out of the thorns. And the thirsty want his riches.

6 For suffering does not come from the dust. Trouble does not grow out of the ground.

7 But man is born to trouble, as fire goes up.

8 "But as for me, I would look to God. I would put my troubles before God.

9 He does great things, too great for us to understand. He does too many wonderful things for us to number.

10 He gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields.

11 He puts those who are in low places up to high places. Those who are filled with sorrow are lifted to where they are safe.

12 He troubles the plans of those who try to fool people, so that their hands cannot do what they plan.

13 God gets them into a trap when they use their own wisdom. And the plans of the wise are brought to a quick end.

14 They meet with darkness during the day, and feel their way at noon as in the night.

15 But He saves from the sword those in need. He saves the poor from the power of the strong.

16 So those who have no hope, have hope, and what is not right and good must shut its mouth.

17 "See, happy is the man to whom God speaks strong words. So do not hate the strong teaching of the Allpowerful.

18 He punishes, but He gives comfort. He hurts, but His hands heal.

19 He will take you out of six troubles. Yes, in seven, nothing will hurt you.

20 He will keep you from death in times of no food, and from the power of the sword in war.

21 You will be hidden from the punishment of the tongue. You will not be afraid of being destroyed when danger comes.

22 You will laugh at danger and times of no food. And you will not be afraid of wild animals.

23 For you will be in agreement with the stones of the field. And the animals of the field will be at peace with you.

24 You will know that your tent is safe. You will look over what you have and see that nothing is gone.

25 You will know also that your children and children's children will be many. They will be as the grass of the earth.

26 You will come to the grave in full strength, like the grain gathered in when it is time.

27 See, this is what we have found, and it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself."

English Bible