< Job 37 >
1 At this my heart is shaking; it is moved out of its place.
"Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
2 Give ear to the rolling noise of his voice; to the hollow sound which goes out of his mouth.
Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3 He sends it out through all the heaven, and his thunder-flame to the ends of the earth.
He sends it forth under the whole sky, and his lightning to the farthest parts of the earth.
4 After it a voice is sounding, thundering out the word of his power; he does not keep back his thunder-flames; from his mouth his voice is sounding.
After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn't hold back anything when his voice is heard.
5 He does wonders, more than may be searched out; great things of which we have no knowledge;
God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can't comprehend.
6 For he says to the snow, Make the earth wet; and to the rain-storm, Come down.
For he says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth;' likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.
7 He puts an end to the work of every man, so that all may see his work.
He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
8 Then the beasts go into their holes, and take their rest.
Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
9 Out of its place comes the storm-wind, and the cold out of its store-houses.
Out of its chamber comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God ice is made, and the wide waters are shut in.
By the breath of God, ice is given, and the breadth of the waters is frozen.
11 The thick cloud is weighted with thunder-flame, and the cloud sends out its light;
Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
12 And it goes this way and that, round about, turning itself by his guiding, to do whatever he gives orders to be done, on the face of his world of men,
It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
13 For a rod, or for a curse, or for mercy, causing it to come on the mark.
Whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
14 Give ear to this, O Job, and keep quiet in your place; and take note of the wonders worked by God.
"Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Have you knowledge of God's ordering of his works, how he makes the light of his cloud to be seen?
Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16 Have you knowledge of the balancings of the clouds, the wonders of him who has all wisdom?
Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 You, whose clothing is warm, when the earth is quiet because of the south wind,
You whose clothing is warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
18 Will you, with him, make the skies smooth, and strong as a polished looking-glass?
Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
19 Make clear to me what we are to say to him; we are unable to put our cause before him, because of the dark.
Teach us what we shall tell him, for we can't make our case by reason of darkness.
20 How may he have knowledge of my desire for talk with him? or did any man ever say, May destruction come on me?
Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
21 And now the light is not seen, for it is dark because of the clouds; but a wind comes, clearing them away.
Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
22 A bright light comes out of the north; God's glory is greatly to be feared.
Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.
23 There is no searching out of the Ruler of all: his strength and his judging are great; he is full of righteousness, doing no wrong.
We can't reach Shaddai. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
24 For this cause men go in fear of him; he has no respect for any who are wise in heart.
Therefore men revere him. He doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."