(JOB 39-40)

Who is this who darkens counsel
with words of ignorance?
Gird up your loins now, like a man;
I will question you, and you tell me the answers!

Where were you when I founded the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its size? Surely you know?
Who stretched out the measuring line for it?
Into what were its pedestals sunk,
and who laid its cornerstone?

While the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of Godshouted for joy?

Who shut within doors the sea,
when it burst forth from the womb,
When I made the clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling bands?

When I set limits for it
and fastened the bar of its door
And said: Thus far shall you come but no farther,
and here shall your proud waves stop?

The earth is changed as clay by the seal,
and dyed like a garment;
But from the wicked their light is withheld,
and the arm of pride is shattered.

Can you lead Leviathan about with a hook,
or tie down his tongue with a rope?

Can you put a ring into his nose,
or pierce through his cheek with a gaff?
Will he then plead with you, time after time,
or address you with tender words?

Will he make a covenant with you
that you may have him as a slave forever?

Can you play with him, as with a bird?
Can you tie him up for your little girls?

Will the traders bargain for him?
Will the merchants
divide him up?

Can you fill his hide with barbs,
or his head with fish spears?
Once you but lay a hand upon him,
no need to recall any other conflict!

Have the gates of death been shown to you,
or have you seen the gates of darkness?

Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell me, if you know it all.

What is the way to the dwelling of light,
and darkness—where is its place
That you you may take it to its territory
and know the paths to its home?