[1] Job, you challenged Almighty God; will you give up now, or will you answer? [3] I spoke foolishly, LORD. What can I answer? I will not try to say anything else. [5] I have already said more than I should. [6] Then out of the storm the LORD spoke to Job once again. [7] Now stand up straight and answer my questions. [8] Are you trying to prove that I am unjust- to put me in the wrong and yourself in the right? [9] Are you as strong as I am? Can your voice thunder as loud as mine? [10] If so, stand up in your honor and pride; clothe yourself with majesty and glory. [11] Look at those who are proud; pour out your anger and humble them. [12] Yes, look at them and bring them down; crush the wicked where they stand. [13] Bury them all in the ground; bind them in the world of the dead. [14] Then I will be the first to praise you and admit that you won the victory yourself. [15] Look at the monster Behemoth; I created him and I created you. He eats grass like a cow, [16] but what strength there is in his body, and what power there is in his muscles! [17] His tail stands up like a cedar, and the muscles in his legs are strong. [18] His bones are as strong as bronze, and his legs are like iron bars. [19] The most amazing of all my creatures! Only his Creator can defeat him. [20] Grass to feed him grows on the hills where wild beasts play. [21] He lies down under the thorn bushes, and hides among the reeds in the swamp. [22] The thorn bushes and the willows by the stream give him shelter in their shade. [23] He is not afraid of a rushing river; he is calm when the Jordan dashes in his face. [24] Who can blind his eyes and capture him? Or who can catch his snout in a trap?
