Study Desk

No wild animal has walked upon these treasures; no lion has ever set his paw there.

Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.

If I have strayed from his pathway, or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen, or if I am guilty of any other sin,

Job's three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.

I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments.

God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy.

he will be gracious and say, ‘Rescue him from the grave, for I have found a ransom for his life.'

Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again.

He will declare to his friends, ‘I sinned and twisted the truth, but it was not worth it.

"Tell me, has there ever been a man like Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?

He chooses evil people as companions. He spends his time with wicked men.

Did someone else put the world in his care? Who set the whole world in place?

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath,

No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes.

For they turned away from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways.

But if he chooses to remain quiet, who can criticize him? When he hides his face, no one can find him, whether an individual or a nation.

"Must God tailor his justice to your demands? But you have rejected him! The choice is yours, not mine. Go ahead, share your wisdom with us.

‘Job speaks out of ignorance; his words lack insight.'

He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever.

Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise.