[1] Then the LORD said to Job, [2] "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" [3] Then Job replied to the LORD, [4] "I am nothing-how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. [5] I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say." [6] Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: [7] "Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. [8] "Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right? [9] Are you as strong as God? Can you thunder with a voice like his? [10] All right, put on your glory and splendor, your honor and majesty. [11] Give vent to your anger. Let it overflow against the proud. [12] Humiliate the proud with a glance; walk on the wicked where they stand. [13] Bury them in the dust. Imprison them in the world of the dead. [14] Then even I would praise you, for your own strength would save you. [15] "Take a look at Behemoth, which I made, just as I made you. It eats grass like an ox. [16] See its powerful loins and the muscles of its belly. [17] Its tail is as strong as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are knit tightly together. [18] Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs are bars of iron. [19] It is a prime example of God's handiwork, and only its Creator can threaten it. [20] The mountains offer it their best food, where all the wild animals play. [21] It lies under the lotus plants, hidden by the reeds in the marsh. [22] The lotus plants give it shade among the willows beside the stream. [23] It is not disturbed by the raging river, not concerned when the swelling Jordan rushes around it. [24] No one can catch it off guard or put a ring in its nose and lead it away.
