Job 40

¹ The LORD then said to Job:

² Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the critic? Let him who would correct God give answer!

³ Then Job answered the LORD and said:

⁴ Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth.

⁵ Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.

⁶ Then the LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said:

⁷ Gird up your loins now, like a man. I will question you, and you tell me the answers!

⁸ Would you refuse to acknowledge my right? Would you condemn me that you may be justified?

⁹ Have you an arm like that of God, or can you thunder with a voice like his?

¹⁰ Adorn yourself with grandeur and majesty, and array yourself with glory and splendor.

¹¹ Let loose the fury of your wrath;

¹² tear down the wicked and shatter them. Bring down the haughty with a glance;

¹³ bury them in the dust together; in the hidden world imprison them.

¹⁴ Then will I too acknowledge that your own right hand can save you.

¹⁵ See, besides you I made Behemoth, that feeds on grass like an ox.

¹⁶ Behold the strength in his loins, and his vigor in the sinews of his belly.

¹⁷ He carries his tail like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are like cables.

¹⁸ His bones are like tubes of bronze; his frame is like iron rods.

¹⁹ He came at the beginning of God's ways, and was made the taskmaster of his fellows;

²⁰ For the produce of the mountains is brought to him, and of all wild animals he makes sport.

²¹ Under the lotus trees he lies, in coverts of the reedy swamp.

²² The lotus trees cover him with their shade; all about him are the poplars on the bank.

²³ If the river grows violent, he is not disturbed; he is tranquil though the torrent surges about his mouth.

²⁴ Who can capture him by his eyes, or pierce his nose with a trap?

²⁵ Can you lead about Leviathan with a hook, or curb his tongue with a bit?

²⁶ Can you put a rope into his nose, or pierce through his cheek with a gaff?

²⁷ Will he then plead with you, time after time, or address you with tender words?

²⁸ Will he make an agreement with you that you may have him as a slave forever?

²⁹ Can you play with him, as with a bird? Can you put him in leash for your maidens?

³⁰ Will the traders bargain for him? Will the merchants divide him up?

³¹ Can you fill his hide with barbs, or his head with fish spears?

³² Once you but lay a hand upon him, no need to recall any other conflict!