Job 1:1-22 CEV

[1] Many years ago, a man named Job lived in the land of Uz. He was a truly good person, who respected God and refused to do evil. [2] Job had seven sons and three daughters. [3] He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred pair of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a large number of servants. He was the richest person in the East. [4] Job's sons took turns having feasts in their homes, and they always invited their three sisters to join in the eating and drinking. [5] After each feast, Job would send for his children and perform a ceremony, as a way of asking God to forgive them of any wrongs they may have done. He would get up early the next morning and offer a sacrifice for each of them, just in case they had sinned or silently cursed God. [6] One day, when the angels had gathered around the LORD, and Satan was there with them, [7] the LORD asked, "Satan, where have you been?" Satan replied, "I have been going all over the earth." [8] Then the LORD asked, "What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him-he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil." [9] "Why shouldn't he respect you?" Satan remarked. [10] "You are like a wall protecting not only him, but his entire family and all his property. You make him successful in whatever he does, and his flocks and herds are everywhere. [11] Try taking away everything he owns, and he will curse you to your face." [12] The LORD replied, "All right, Satan, do what you want with anything that belongs to him, but don't harm Job." Then Satan left. [13] Job's sons and daughters were having a feast in the home of his oldest son, [14] when someone rushed up to Job and said, "While your servants were plowing with your oxen, and your donkeys were nearby eating grass, [15] a gang of Sabeans attacked and stole the oxen and donkeys! Your other servants were killed, and I was the only one who escaped to tell you." [16] That servant was still speaking, when a second one came running up and saying, "God sent down a fire that killed your sheep and your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." [17] Before that servant finished speaking, a third one raced up and said, "Three gangs of Chaldeans attacked and stole your camels! All of your other servants were killed, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you." [18] That servant was still speaking, when a fourth one dashed up and said, "Your children were having a feast and drinking wine at the home of your oldest son, [19] when suddenly a windstorm from the desert blew the house down, crushing all of your children. I am the only one who escaped to tell you." [20] When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God [21] and said: "We bring nothing at birth; we take nothing with us at death. The LORD alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the LORD!" [22] In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong.