Job’s Integrity in Adversity

13  Now the day came when Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14  and a messenger came to Job, saying, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing beside them, 15  and the Sabeans swooped down and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

16  While this one was still speaking, another messenger arrived and said, “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants – it has consumed them! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

17  While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

18  While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19  and suddenly a great wind swept across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they died! And I – only I alone – escaped to tell you!”

20  Then Job got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head, and then he threw himself down with his face to the ground. 21  He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!” 22  In all this Job did not sin, nor did he charge God with moral impropriety.

2  Again the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also arrived among them to present himself before the Lord. 2  And the Lord said to Satan, “Where do you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it.” 3  Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a pure and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil. And he still holds firmly to his integrity, so that you stirred me up to destroy him without reason.”

4  But Satan answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! Indeed, a man will give up all that he has to save his life! 5  But extend your hand and strike his bone and his flesh, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!”

6  So the Lord said to Satan, “All right, he is in your power; only preserve his life.”