1 ¶ When this happens my heart trembles, and leaps in my chest.

2 Just listen to the sound of his voice, and the rumbling that goes out of his mouth.

3 He releases his lightning everywhere under heaven, even to the ends of the earth.

4 After it a voice roars: he thunders with the voice of his majesty; and will not hold the lightning back when his voice is heard.

5 God’s thundering voice is marvelous; he does great things, which we cannot understand.

6 ¶ For he says to the snow, Fall on the earth; and the same to the showers, and to the mighty downpours.

7 He makes it impossible for any man to work; so that all men may acknowledge his work.

8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their lairs.

9 Out of the south comes the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.

10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the surface of the waters is hardened.

11 He also fills the thick cloud with moisture: he scatters his lightning through it:

12 And it is turned around by his guidance: that they may do whatever he commands them on the face of the inhabited earth.

13 He directs it to his goal, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.

14 ¶ Listen to this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

15 Do you know how God directs them, and makes the lightning flash from his clouds?

16 Do you know how the clouds float, these are the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?

17 Do you know why your clothing is hot, when he calms the earth with a south wind?

18 Can you along with him spread out the sky, as fixed as a mirror of molten metal?

19 Teach us what we should say to him; for we cannot prepare our case because of our ignorance.

20 Should he be told that I want to speak? if a man speaks, will he be swallowed up?

21 ¶ Now men cannot look at the sun when it is bright in the skies: when the wind has passed, and cleared them.

22 A golden light comes from heaven: around God there is a terrifying majesty.

23 The Almighty, whom we cannot reach: is excellent in power, and in judgement, and abounding in justice: he will not oppress.

24 So people should fear him: he does not respect those who think that they are wise.