Job Humbles Himself before the LORD

1And the LORD said to Job:

2“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”

3Then Job answered the LORD:

4“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.

5I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.”

The LORD Challenges Job Again

6Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

7“Now brace yourself ⁷¹like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. ⁷²

8Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?

9Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His?

10Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, and clothe yourself with honor and glory.

11Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low.

12Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand.

13Bury them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. ⁷³

14Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can save you.

15Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He feeds on grass like an ox.

16See the strength of his loins and the power in the muscles of his belly.

17His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.

18His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs are rods of iron.

19He is the foremost of God’s works; ⁷⁴only his Maker can draw the sword against him.

20The hills yield him their produce, while all the beasts of the field play nearby.

21He lies under the lotus plants, ⁷⁵hidden among the reeds of the marsh.

22The lotus plants conceal him in their shade; the willows ⁷⁶of the brook surround him.

23Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains secure, though the Jordan surges to his mouth.

24Can anyone capture him as he looks on, or pierce his nose with a snare?