1: And now, finally, GOD answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
2: "Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
3: Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers.
4: Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much!
5: Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
6: How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone,
7: While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?
8: And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
9: That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night.
10: Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
11: And said, "Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'
12: "And have you ever ordered Morning, "Get up!' told Dawn, "Get to work!'
13: So you could seize Earth like a blanket and shake out the wicked like cockroaches?
14: As the sun brings everything to light, brings out all the colors and shapes,
15: The cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked--they're caught in the very act!
16: "Have you ever gotten to the true bottom of things, explored the labyrinthine caves of deep ocean?
17: Do you know the first thing about death? Do you have one clue regarding death's dark mysteries?
18: And do you have any idea how large this earth is? Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer.
19: "Do you know where Light comes from and where Darkness lives
20: So you can take them by the hand and lead them home when they get lost?
21: Why, of course you know that. You've known them all your life, grown up in the same neighborhood with them!
22: "Have you ever traveled to where snow is made, seen the vault where hail is stockpiled,
23: The arsenals of hail and snow that I keep in readiness for times of trouble and battle and war?
24: Can you find your way to where lightning is launched, or to the place from which the wind blows?
25: Who do you suppose carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and charts the route of thunderstorms
26: That bring water to unvisited fields, deserts no one ever lays eyes on,
27: Drenching the useless wastelands so they're carpeted with wildflowers and grass?
28: And who do you think is the father of rain and dew,
29: the mother of ice and frost?
30: You don't for a minute imagine these marvels of weather just happen, do you?
31: "Can you catch the eye of the beautiful Pleiades sisters, or distract Orion from his hunt?
32: Can you get Venus to look your way, or get the Great Bear and her cubs to come out and play?
33: Do you know the first thing about the sky's constellations and how they affect things on Earth?
34: "Can you get the attention of the clouds, and commission a shower of rain?
35: Can you take charge of the lightning bolts and have them report to you for orders?
36: "Who do you think gave weather-wisdom to the ibis, and storm-savvy to the rooster?
37: Does anyone know enough to number all the clouds or tip over the rain barrels of heaven
38: When the earth is cracked and dry, the ground baked hard as a brick?
39: "Can you teach the lioness to stalk her prey and satisfy the appetite of her cubs
40: As they crouch in their den, waiting hungrily in their cave?
41: And who sets out food for the ravens when their young cry to God, fluttering about because they have no food?