< Job 37 >

1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved upward out of its place.
"Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
2 Hear, O hear, the rattling of his thunder, and the storm's roar that goeth out of his mouth.
Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3 Under the whole heavens he letteth it loose, and his lightning over the ends of the earth.
He sends it forth under the whole sky, and his lightning to the farthest parts of the earth.
4 Behind it roareth the thunder; he thundereth with his majestic voice; and he holdeth them not back when his voice is heard.
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 God thundereth with his marvelous voice: he doth great things, which we cannot comprehend.
God thunders marvelously with his voice. He does great things, which we can't comprehend.
6 For to the snow he saith, Be thou on the earth: likewise the pouring rain, and to the pouring rains of his strength.
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 sealeth it on the hand of every man, that all men whom he hath made may know it.
He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
8 Then retire the beasts into [their] dens, and rest in their lairs.
Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
9 Out of [his] chamber cometh the whirlwind, and out of the north, the cold.
Out of its chamber comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
10 From the breathing of God ice is given, and the broad waters become solid.
By the breath of God, ice is given, and the breadth of the waters is frozen.
11 Also with moisture he loadeth the cloud; [and] he scattereth the cloud of his lightning;
Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
12 And it is turned round about by his guidance, to execute what he commandeth it upon the face of the world, the earth.
It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
13 Whether it be as a chastising rod—if this be destined for his earth—or for kindness, doth he cause it to come.
Whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
14 Give ear unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider well the wonders of God.
"Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Dost thou know how God hath imposed [a law] on them, and [how] he hath caused the light of his cloud to shine?
Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
16 Dost thou know aught about the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
17 [Thou] who clothest thyself with warm garments, when He giveth the earth rest from the south wind?
You whose clothing is warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
18 Hast thou with him spread out the skies, which are strong even as a molten mirror?
Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
19 Let us know what we shall say unto him: we cannot set aught in order [before him] because of darkness.
Teach us what we shall tell him, for we can't make our case by reason of darkness.
20 Can [all] be related of him, when I speak [ever so much]? or if a man talk [of him] even till he be swallowed up [in death]?
Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
21 Yet now men see not the light which is bright in the skies, when the wind hath passed along, and purified them.
Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
22 The golden [light] that cometh out of the north: around God is terrible majesty.
Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.
23 The Almighty, whom we cannot find out, excellent in power, and in justice, and abounding in righteousness, will not afflict:
We can't reach Shaddai. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
24 Therefore do men fear him; he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.
Therefore men revere him. He doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."

< Job 37 >