[1] Then the LORD said to Job, [2] "You wanted to argue with God All-Powerful. You wanted to correct me and prove that I was wrong. So give me your answer!" [3] Then Job answered the LORD: [4] "I am not worthy to speak! What can I say to you? I cannot answer you! I will put my hand over my mouth. [5] I spoke once, but I will not speak again. I spoke twice, but I will not say anything more." [6] Then the LORD spoke to Job again from the storm: [7] "Brace yourself and get ready to answer the questions I will ask you. [8] "Are you trying to show that I am unfair? Are you trying to look innocent by saying that I am guilty? [9] Are your arms as strong as mine? Do you have a voice like mine that is as loud as thunder? [10] If so, you can be proud and wear glory and honor like clothes. [11] If you are as powerful as God, then show your anger! Punish those who are proud and humble them. [12] Yes, just look at the proud and make them humble. Crush those evil people where they stand. [13] Bury them all in the dirt. Wrap their bodies up and put them in their graves. [14] If you can do any of these things, then even I will praise you. And I will admit that you can save yourself by your own power. [15] "Look at the behemoth. I made the behemoth, and I made you. He eats grass like a cow. [16] But he has great strength in his body. The muscles in his stomach are powerful. [17] His tail stands strong like a cedar tree. His leg muscles are very strong. [18] His bones are as strong as bronze. His legs are like iron bars. [19] The behemoth is the most amazing animal I made, but I can defeat him. [20] He eats the grass that grows on the hills where the wild animals play. [21] He lies under the lotus plants. He hides among the reeds of the swamp. [22] The lotus plants hide him in their shade. He lives under the willow trees that grow near the river. [23] If the river floods, the behemoth will not run away. He is not afraid if the Jordan River splashes on his face. [24] No one can blind his eyes and capture him. No one can catch him in a trap.
