< Job 37 >

1 “Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.
At this also my heart is troubled, and moved out of its place.
2 Hear, oh, hear the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out of his mouth.
Hear you a report by the anger of the Lord's wrath, and a discourse shall come out of his mouth.
3 He sends it out under the whole sky, and his lightning to the ends of the earth.
His dominion is under the whole heaven, and his light is at the extremities of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of his majesty. He doesn’t hold back anything when his voice is heard.
After him shall be a cry with a [loud] voice; he shall thunder with the voice of his excellency, yet he shall not cause men to pass away, for one shall hear his voice.
5 God thunders marvellously with his voice. He does great things, which we can’t comprehend.
The Mighty One shall thunder wonderfully with his voice: for he has done great things which we knew not;
6 For he says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of his mighty rain.
commanding the snow, Be you upon the earth, and the stormy rain, and the storm of the showers of his might.
7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he has made may know it.
He seals up the hand of every man, that every man may know his own weakness.
8 Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.
And the wild beasts come in under the covert, and rest in [their] lair.
9 Out of its room comes the storm, and cold out of the north.
Troubles come on out of the secret chambers, and cold from the mountain-tops.
10 By the breath of God, ice is given, and the width of the waters is frozen.
And from the breath of the Mighty One he will send frost; and he guides the water in whatever way he pleases.
11 Yes, he loads the thick cloud with moisture. He spreads abroad the cloud of his lightning.
And [if] a cloud obscures [what is] precious [to him], his light will disperse the cloud.
12 It is turned around by his guidance, that they may do whatever he commands them on the surface of the habitable world,
And he will carry round the encircling [clouds] by his governance, to [perform] their works: whatever he shall command them,
13 whether it is for correction, or for his land, or for loving kindness, that he causes it to come.
this has been appointed by him on the earth, whether for correction, [or] for his land, or if he shall find him [an object] for mercy.
14 “Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Listen to this, O Job: stand still, and be admonished of the power of the Lord.
15 Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine?
We know that god has disposed his works, having made light out of darkness.
16 Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
And he knows the divisions of the clouds, and the signal overthrows of the ungodly.
17 You whose clothing is warm when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
But your robe is warm, and there is quiet upon the land.
18 Can you, with him, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?
Will you establish with him [foundations] for the ancient [heavens? they are] strong as a molten mirror.
19 Teach us what we will tell him, for we can’t make our case by reason of darkness.
Therefore teach me, what shall we say to him? and let us cease from saying much.
20 Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
Have I a book or a scribe my me, that I may stand and put man to silence?
21 Now men don’t see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.
But the light is not visible to all: it shines afar off in the heavens, as that which is from him in the clouds.
22 Out of the north comes golden splendour. With God is awesome majesty.
From the [north] come the clouds shining like gold: in these great are the glory and honor of the Almighty;
23 We can’t reach the Almighty. He is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, he will not oppress.
and we do not find another his equal in strength: [as for] him that judges justly, do you not think that he listens?
24 Therefore men revere him. He doesn’t regard any who are wise of heart.”
Therefore men shall fear him; and the wise also in heart shall fear him.

< Job 37 >