Study Desk

"Listen to this, Job; Stand still and consider the wonders of God.

"Do you know how God establishes and commands them, And makes the lightning of His [storm] cloud shine?

"Tell us [Job] what words [of man] shall we say to such a Being; We cannot state our case because of darkness [that is, our ignorance in the presence of the unsearchable God].

"So shall it be told Him that I wish to speak? Or should a man say that he would be swallowed up [and destroyed by God]?

"Out of the north comes golden splendor [and people can hardly look on it]; Around God is awesome splendor and majesty [far too glorious for man's eyes].

When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God (angels) shouted for joy?

"Who provides prey for the raven When its young cry to God And wander about without food?

For God has made her forget wisdom, And has not given her a share of understanding.

"Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who disputes with God answer it."

"Will you really annul My judgment and set it aside as void? Will you condemn Me [your God] that you may [appear to] be righteous and justified?

"Have you an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?

"[If you can do all this, Job, proving your divine power] then I [God] will also praise you and acknowledge That your own right hand can save you.

"He is the first [in magnitude and power] of the works of God; [Only] He who made him can bring near His sword [to master him].

"He looks on everything that is high [without terror]; He is monarch over all the sons of pride. [And now, Job, who are you who does not dare to disturb the beast, yet who dares resist Me, the beast's creator? Everything under the heavens is Mine; therefore, who can have a claim against God?]"

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).

Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God], And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?

Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame. How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him!

Many are saying of me, "There is no help [no salvation] for him in God." Selah.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress; Be gracious to me and hear [and respond to] my prayer.