[1] “When I hear the thunder, my heart pounds. It beats faster inside me. [2] Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice! Listen to the thunder that comes from him! [3] He sends his lightning across the sky. It reaches from one end of the earth to the other. [4] Next comes the sound of his roaring thunder. He thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice fills the air, he doesn’t hold anything back. [5] God’s voice thunders in wonderful ways. We’ll never understand the great things he does. [6] He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth.’ He tells the rain, ‘Pour down your mighty waters.’ [7] He stops everyone from working. He wants them to see his work. [8] The animals go inside. They remain in their dens. [9] The storm comes out of its storeroom in the heavens. The cold comes from the driving winds. [10] The breath of God produces ice. The shallow water freezes over. [11] He loads the clouds with moisture. He scatters his lightning through them. [12] He directs the clouds to circle above the surface of the whole earth. They do everything he commands them to do. [13] He tells the clouds to punish people. Or he brings them to water his earth and show his love. [14] “Job, listen to me. Stop and think about the wonderful things God does. [15] Do you know how he controls the clouds? Do you understand how he makes his lightning flash? [16] Do you know how the clouds stay up in the sky? Do you understand the wonders of the God who has perfect knowledge? [17] Even your clothes are too hot for you when the land lies quiet under the south wind. [18] Can you help God spread out the skies? They are as hard as a mirror that’s made out of bronze. [19] “Job, tell us what we should say to God. We can’t prepare our case because our minds are dark. [20] Should he be told that I want to speak? Would anyone ask to be destroyed by him? [21] No one can look at the sun. It’s too bright after the wind has swept the skies clean. [22] Out of the north, God comes in his shining glory. He comes in all his wonderful majesty. [23] We can’t reach up to the Mighty One. He is lifted high because of his power. Everything he does is fair and right. So he doesn’t crush people. [24] That’s why they have respect for him. He cares about all those who are wise.”
