40:1 The LORD said to Job:

40:2 "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!"

40:3 Then Job answered the LORD:

40:4 "I am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.

40:5 I spoke once, but I have no answer--twice, but I will say no more."

40:6 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:

40:7 "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

40:8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?

40:9 Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?

40:10 Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.

40:11 Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low,

40:12 look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand.

40:13 Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave.

40:14 Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.

40:15 "Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox.

40:16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly!

40:17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.

40:18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron.

40:19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword.

40:20 The hills bring him their produce, and all the wild animals play nearby.

40:21 Under the lotus plants he lies, hidden among the reeds in the marsh.

40:22 The lotuses conceal him in their shadow; the poplars by the stream surround him.

40:23 When the river rages, he is not alarmed; he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth.

40:24 Can anyone capture him by the eyes, or trap him and pierce his nose?