^1. The LORD said to Job:

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

^3. Then Job answered the LORD:

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

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

^6. Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:

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

^8. "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?

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

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

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

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

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

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

^15. "Look at the behemoth, [1] which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox.

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

^17. His tail [2] sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

^24. Can anyone capture him by the eyes, [3] or trap him and pierce his nose?