WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.870 Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:02.980 --> 00:00:04.230 Day three hundred and nineteen 00:00:04.415 --> 00:00:07.025 . Then Zhar the Neite replied to job. 00:00:07.775 --> 00:00:09.305 Shouldn't someone answer this? 00:00:09.310 --> 00:00:13.925 Torrent of words is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking. 00:00:14.645 --> 00:00:19.175 Should I remain silent while you babble on when you mock God? 00:00:19.385 --> 00:00:21.245 Shouldn't someone make you ashamed? 00:00:21.905 --> 00:00:26.885 You claim my beliefs are pure and I am clean in the sight of God. 00:00:27.665 --> 00:00:32.885 If only God would speak, if only he would tell you what he thinks, if only 00:00:32.885 --> 00:00:34.895 he would tell you the secrets of wisdom. 00:00:35.315 --> 00:00:37.505 For true wisdom is not a simple matter. 00:00:38.255 --> 00:00:42.875 Listen, God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve. 00:00:44.015 --> 00:00:46.025 Can you solve the mysteries of God? 00:00:46.625 --> 00:00:51.065 Can you discover everything about the Almighty such knowledge is higher 00:00:51.065 --> 00:00:53.375 than the heavens, and who are you? 00:00:54.125 --> 00:00:55.835 It is deeper than the underworld. 00:00:56.480 --> 00:00:57.500 What do you know? 00:00:58.310 --> 00:01:01.130 It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. 00:01:01.880 --> 00:01:06.650 If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can 00:01:06.650 --> 00:01:12.650 stop him for he knows those who are false and he takes note of all their sins. 00:01:13.460 --> 00:01:17.450 An empty headed person won't become wise any more than a wild 00:01:17.450 --> 00:01:19.670 donkey can bear a human child. 00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:24.920 If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer. 00:01:25.565 --> 00:01:31.055 Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you, then your face 00:01:31.055 --> 00:01:35.285 will brighten With innocence, you will be strong and free of fear. 00:01:35.915 --> 00:01:37.445 You will forget your misery. 00:01:37.865 --> 00:01:39.995 It will be like water flowing away. 00:01:40.625 --> 00:01:42.935 Your life will be brighter than the noon day. 00:01:43.355 --> 00:01:45.635 Even Darkness will be as bright as morning. 00:01:46.445 --> 00:01:48.665 Having hope will give you courage. 00:01:49.205 --> 00:01:51.815 You will be protected and will rest in safety. 00:01:52.385 --> 00:01:56.135 You will lie down unafraid and many will look to you for help, 00:01:56.915 --> 00:01:58.805 but the wicked will be blinded. 00:01:59.345 --> 00:02:00.575 They will have no escape. 00:02:01.175 --> 00:02:03.155 Their only hope is death. 00:02:04.685 --> 00:02:06.095 Then job spoke again. 00:02:07.145 --> 00:02:09.215 You people really know everything, don't you? 00:02:09.785 --> 00:02:12.275 And when you die, wisdom will die with you. 00:02:13.175 --> 00:02:17.075 Well, I know a few things myself and you are no better than I am. 00:02:17.975 --> 00:02:20.015 Who doesn't know these things you've been saying. 00:02:21.050 --> 00:02:22.880 Yet my friends laugh at me. 00:02:22.910 --> 00:02:25.610 For I call on God and expect an answer. 00:02:26.420 --> 00:02:30.080 I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me. 00:02:30.920 --> 00:02:33.470 People who are at ease mock those in trouble. 00:02:34.250 --> 00:02:38.930 They give a push to people who are stumbling, but robbers are left in peace, 00:02:39.320 --> 00:02:43.970 and those who provoke God live in safety, though God keeps them in his power. 00:02:44.750 --> 00:02:47.570 Just ask the animals and they will teach you. 00:02:48.140 --> 00:02:49.400 Ask the birds of the sky. 00:02:50.315 --> 00:02:54.125 They will tell you, speak to the earth and it will instruct you. 00:02:54.665 --> 00:03:00.905 Let the fish in the sea speak to you for They all know that my disaster has come 00:03:00.905 --> 00:03:06.125 from the hand of the Lord, for the life of every living thing is in his hand 00:03:06.635 --> 00:03:08.705 and the breath of every human being. 00:03:09.665 --> 00:03:14.885 The ear tests, the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods. 00:03:15.695 --> 00:03:19.625 Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to the old. 00:03:20.675 --> 00:03:23.825 But true wisdom and power are found in God. 00:03:24.395 --> 00:03:26.555 Counsel and understanding are his. 00:03:27.185 --> 00:03:29.465 What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. 00:03:29.915 --> 00:03:32.735 When he puts someone in prison, there is no escape. 00:03:33.485 --> 00:03:36.665 If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. 00:03:37.205 --> 00:03:39.875 If he releases the waters, they flood the earth. 00:03:40.595 --> 00:03:41.105 Yes. 00:03:41.285 --> 00:03:47.495 Strength and wisdom are his deceivers and deceived are both in his power. 00:03:48.290 --> 00:03:52.760 He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment wise. 00:03:52.760 --> 00:03:54.230 Judges become fools. 00:03:54.890 --> 00:03:57.440 He removes the royal robe of kings. 00:03:57.980 --> 00:04:00.500 They are led away with ropes around their waist. 00:04:01.220 --> 00:04:04.280 He leads priests away, stripped of status. 00:04:04.640 --> 00:04:07.700 He overthrows those with long years in power. 00:04:08.540 --> 00:04:13.490 He silences the trusted advisor and removes the insight of the elders. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:16.400 He pours disgrace upon princes. 00:04:16.835 --> 00:04:22.415 And disarms the strong, he uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness. 00:04:22.805 --> 00:04:25.055 He brings light to the deepest gloom. 00:04:25.595 --> 00:04:28.445 He builds up nations and he destroys them. 00:04:29.045 --> 00:04:32.345 He expands nations and he abandons them. 00:04:33.065 --> 00:04:36.395 He strips kings of understanding and leaves them wandering 00:04:36.395 --> 00:04:37.985 in a pathless wasteland. 00:04:38.615 --> 00:04:40.835 They grope in the darkness without a light. 00:04:41.315 --> 00:04:43.625 He makes them stagger like drunkards. 00:04:44.525 --> 00:04:45.005 Look. 00:04:45.425 --> 00:04:49.055 I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my 00:04:49.055 --> 00:04:51.275 own ears, and now I understand. 00:04:52.025 --> 00:04:55.385 I know as much as you do, you are no better than I am. 00:04:56.255 --> 00:04:59.885 As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. 00:05:00.425 --> 00:05:03.485 I want to argue my case with God himself. 00:05:04.355 --> 00:05:07.355 As for you, you smear me with lies. 00:05:07.925 --> 00:05:10.625 As physicians, you are worthless quacks. 00:05:11.165 --> 00:05:12.905 If only you could be silent. 00:05:13.175 --> 00:05:14.945 That's the wisest thing you could do. 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:16.940 Listen to my charge. 00:05:17.330 --> 00:05:19.070 Pay attention to my arguments. 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:22.550 Are you defending God with lies? 00:05:23.180 --> 00:05:26.390 Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake? 00:05:27.020 --> 00:05:29.810 Will you slant your testimony in his favor? 00:05:30.170 --> 00:05:32.510 Will you argue God's case for him? 00:05:33.350 --> 00:05:35.840 What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? 00:05:36.410 --> 00:05:39.080 Can you fool him as easily as you fool people? 00:05:39.815 --> 00:05:43.715 No, you'll be in trouble with him if you secretly slant 00:05:43.715 --> 00:05:45.575 your testimony in his favor. 00:05:46.655 --> 00:05:48.425 Doesn't his majesty terrify you? 00:05:49.175 --> 00:05:51.515 Doesn't your fear of him overwhelm you? 00:05:52.175 --> 00:05:54.905 Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. 00:05:55.235 --> 00:05:58.175 Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot. 00:05:59.005 --> 00:06:01.325 Be silent now and leave me alone. 00:06:01.895 --> 00:06:04.445 Let me speak and I will face the consequences. 00:06:05.225 --> 00:06:09.545 Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands? 00:06:10.295 --> 00:06:13.475 God might kill me, but I have no other hope. 00:06:14.045 --> 00:06:18.245 I am going to argue my case with him, but this is what will save me. 00:06:18.455 --> 00:06:20.375 I am not godless. 00:06:20.855 --> 00:06:23.135 If I were, I could not stand before him. 00:06:24.455 --> 00:06:26.645 Listen closely to what I am about to say. 00:06:27.065 --> 00:06:27.725 Hear me out. 00:06:28.205 --> 00:06:29.825 I have prepared my case. 00:06:29.915 --> 00:06:33.455 I will be proved innocent who can argue with me over this. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:37.640 And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die. 00:06:38.930 --> 00:06:39.560 Oh God. 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:43.250 Grant me these two things and then I will be able to face you. 00:06:43.910 --> 00:06:48.260 Remove your heavy hand from me and don't terrify me with your awesome presence. 00:06:49.220 --> 00:06:54.500 Now summon me and I will answer, or let me speak to you and you reply. 00:06:55.340 --> 00:06:57.740 Tell me what have I done wrong? 00:06:58.430 --> 00:07:00.800 Show me my rebellion and my sin. 00:07:01.565 --> 00:07:03.185 Why do you turn away from me? 00:07:03.395 --> 00:07:05.255 Why do you treat me as your enemy? 00:07:05.765 --> 00:07:08.315 Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? 00:07:08.735 --> 00:07:10.715 Would you chase dry straw? 00:07:12.065 --> 00:07:16.505 You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth. 00:07:17.225 --> 00:07:19.145 You put my feet in stocks. 00:07:19.625 --> 00:07:21.425 You examine all my paths. 00:07:21.725 --> 00:07:23.405 You trace all my footprints. 00:07:24.125 --> 00:07:28.025 I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth eaten coat. 00:07:29.555 --> 00:07:31.175 How frail is humanity? 00:07:31.985 --> 00:07:33.395 How short is life? 00:07:33.875 --> 00:07:34.985 How full of trouble. 00:07:35.885 --> 00:07:40.385 We blossom like a flower and then wither like a passing shadow. 00:07:40.385 --> 00:07:41.675 We quickly disappear. 00:07:42.785 --> 00:07:46.475 Must you keep an eye on such a frail creature and demand 00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:47.675 and accounting from me? 00:07:48.725 --> 00:07:51.455 Who can bring purity out of an impure person? 00:07:51.725 --> 00:07:52.265 No one. 00:07:52.985 --> 00:07:55.175 You have decided the length of our lives. 00:07:55.535 --> 00:07:59.435 You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer, 00:08:00.065 --> 00:08:02.705 so leave us alone and let us rest. 00:08:03.425 --> 00:08:06.935 We are like hired hands, so let us finish our work in peace. 00:08:08.585 --> 00:08:10.295 Even a tree has more hope. 00:08:10.955 --> 00:08:14.435 If it has cut down, it will sprout again and grow new branches. 00:08:15.065 --> 00:08:19.085 Though it's roots have grown old in the earth and its stumped, decays at 00:08:19.085 --> 00:08:23.135 the scent of water, it will bud and sprout again like a new seedling. 00:08:24.485 --> 00:08:27.575 But when people die, their strength is gone. 00:08:28.535 --> 00:08:30.875 They breathe their last and then where are they? 00:08:31.835 --> 00:08:36.845 As water evaporates from a lake and a river disappears in drought, people 00:08:36.850 --> 00:08:41.585 are laid to rest and do not rise again until the heavens are no more. 00:08:41.590 --> 00:08:44.645 They will not wake up nor be roused from their sleep. 00:08:46.415 --> 00:08:49.295 I wish you would hide me in the grave and forget me there 00:08:49.295 --> 00:08:50.945 until your anger has passed. 00:08:51.665 --> 00:08:54.185 But mark your calendar to think of me again. 00:08:55.355 --> 00:08:57.035 Can the dead live again? 00:08:57.875 --> 00:09:01.925 If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and I would 00:09:01.925 --> 00:09:04.475 eagerly await the release of death. 00:09:05.165 --> 00:09:10.475 You would call and I would answer, and you would yearn for me, your handiwork. 00:09:11.015 --> 00:09:14.825 For then you would guard my steps instead of watching for my sins, 00:09:15.515 --> 00:09:18.875 my sins would be sealed in a pouch and you would cover my guilt. 00:09:19.745 --> 00:09:24.545 But instead, as mountains fall and crumble and as rocks fall from a 00:09:24.545 --> 00:09:29.405 cliff, as water wears away, the stones and floods wash away the soil. 00:09:30.125 --> 00:09:31.805 So you destroy people's hope. 00:09:32.705 --> 00:09:35.375 You always overpower them, and they pass from the scene. 00:09:35.765 --> 00:09:38.435 You disfigure them in death and send them away. 00:09:39.485 --> 00:09:44.255 They never know if their children grow up in honor or sink to insignificance. 00:09:45.065 --> 00:09:46.265 They suffer painfully. 00:09:47.120 --> 00:09:49.220 Their life is full of trouble. 00:09:50.690 --> 00:09:56.480 Then pha, the Timon night replied, A wise man wouldn't answer with such empty talk. 00:09:56.960 --> 00:09:58.670 You are nothing but a windbag. 00:09:59.210 --> 00:09:59.780 The wise. 00:09:59.780 --> 00:10:01.820 Don't engage in empty chatter. 00:10:01.820 --> 00:10:05.030 A what good or such words have you. 00:10:05.030 --> 00:10:07.220 No fear of God, no reverence for him. 00:10:07.910 --> 00:10:10.190 Your sins are telling your mouth what to say. 00:10:10.760 --> 00:10:13.130 Your words are based on clever deception. 00:10:13.670 --> 00:10:15.740 Your own mouth condemns you, not I. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:18.170 Your own lips testify against you. 00:10:19.730 --> 00:10:21.890 Were you the first person ever born? 00:10:22.490 --> 00:10:24.590 Were you born before the hills were made? 00:10:25.400 --> 00:10:27.140 Were you listening at God's secret? 00:10:27.140 --> 00:10:30.410 Counsel, do you have a monopoly on wisdom? 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.840 What do you know that we don't? 00:10:33.020 --> 00:10:38.000 What do you understand that we do not on our side are aged gray-haired 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:40.340 men, much older than your father? 00:10:41.630 --> 00:10:43.760 Is God's comfort too little for you? 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:46.550 Is his gentle word, not enough. 00:10:47.750 --> 00:10:49.670 What has taken away your reason? 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:53.540 What has weakened your vision that you turn against God and 00:10:53.540 --> 00:10:55.430 say all these evil things? 00:10:56.360 --> 00:10:58.220 Can any mortal be pure? 00:10:58.700 --> 00:11:05.060 Can anyone born of a woman be just, look, God does not even trust the angels. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:08.630 Even the heavens are not absolutely pure in his sight. 00:11:09.470 --> 00:11:14.390 How much less pure is a corrupt and sinful person with a thirst for wickedness? 00:11:15.710 --> 00:11:17.630 If you listen, I will show you. 00:11:18.080 --> 00:11:22.490 I will answer you from my own experience, and it is confirmed by 00:11:22.490 --> 00:11:26.720 the reports of wise men who have heard the same thing from their fathers, 00:11:27.050 --> 00:11:31.190 from those to whom the land was given long before any foreigners arrived. 00:11:32.150 --> 00:11:36.320 The wicked rive in pain throughout their lives, years of trouble 00:11:36.320 --> 00:11:37.820 are stored up for the ruthless. 00:11:38.405 --> 00:11:42.635 The sound of terror rings in their ears, and even on good days, they 00:11:42.635 --> 00:11:44.465 fear the attack of the destroyer. 00:11:45.425 --> 00:11:47.975 They dare not go out into the darkness for fear. 00:11:47.980 --> 00:11:48.875 They will be murdered. 00:11:49.415 --> 00:11:52.805 They wander around saying, where can I find bread? 00:11:53.555 --> 00:11:55.625 They know their day of destruction is near. 00:11:56.585 --> 00:11:58.985 That dark day terrifies them. 00:11:59.585 --> 00:12:03.635 They live in distress and anguish like a king preparing for battle. 00:12:04.340 --> 00:12:10.010 For they shake their fists at God defying the almighty holding their strong shields, 00:12:10.015 --> 00:12:12.080 they defiantly charge against him. 00:12:13.160 --> 00:12:15.920 These wicked people are heavy and prosperous. 00:12:16.250 --> 00:12:20.840 Their wastes bulge with fat, but their cities will be ruined. 00:12:21.410 --> 00:12:24.980 They will live in abandoned houses that are ready to tumble down. 00:12:25.640 --> 00:12:29.000 Their riches will not last and their wealth will not endure. 00:12:29.510 --> 00:12:32.690 Their possessions will no longer spread across the horizon. 00:12:33.800 --> 00:12:35.480 They will not escape the darkness. 00:12:35.990 --> 00:12:40.130 The burning sun will wither their chutes and the breath of God will destroy them. 00:12:40.910 --> 00:12:44.870 Let them no longer fool themselves by trusting in empty riches. 00:12:45.380 --> 00:12:47.840 For emptiness will be their only reward. 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:50.780 They will be cut down in the prime of life. 00:12:50.990 --> 00:12:53.270 Their branches will never again be green. 00:12:54.050 --> 00:12:57.590 They will be like a vine whose grapes are harvested too early, 00:12:58.130 --> 00:13:02.210 like an olive tree that loses its blossoms before the fruit can form. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:05.000 For the godless are barren. 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:08.900 Their homes enriched through bribery will burn. 00:13:09.590 --> 00:13:12.590 They conceive trouble and give birth to evil. 00:13:13.250 --> 00:13:15.260 Their womb produces deceit. 00:13:17.060 --> 00:13:19.910 This concludes today's immerse reading experience. 00:13:20.060 --> 00:13:21.260 Thank you for joining us.