8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you 7considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and 8shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 iHave You not 9made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? jYou have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 kBut now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely lcurse 1You to Your face!”

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your 2power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Job Loses His Property and Children

13 Now there was a day mwhen his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the 3Sabeans 4raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and 5consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, n“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from 6across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

20 Then Job arose, otore his robe, and shaved his head; and he pfell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said:

q“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.

The Lord rgave, and the Lord has staken away;

tBlessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 uIn all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.