Then the Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind, and said:12 Didst thou since thy birth command the morning, and shew the dawning of the day its place?13 And didst thou hold the extremities of the earth shaking them, and hast thou shaken the ungodly out of it?14 The seal shall be restored as clay, and shall stand as a garment:15 From the wicked their light shall be taken away, and the high arm shall be broken.16 Hast thou entered into the depths of the sea, and walked in the lowest parts of the deep?17 Have the gates of death been opened to thee, and hast thou seen the darksome doors?18 Hast thou considered the breadth of the earth? tell me, if thou knowest all things?19 Where is the way where light dwelleth, and where is the place of darkness:20 That thou mayst bring every thing to its own bounds, and understand the paths of the house thereof.21 Didst thou know then that thou shouldst be born? and didst thou know the number of thy days?3 Wilt thou make void my judgment: and condemn me, that thou mayst be justified?4 And hast thou an arm like God, and canst thou thunder with a voice like him?5 Clothe thyself with beauty, and set thyself up on high and be glorious, and put on goodly garments.
In my opinion, he has placed at this stage a cloud over this righteous man in order to raise his thoughts and to persuade him that "that voice" came "from above," as [in the case] of the "mercy seat placed upon the ark of alliance." Since the cloud is a symbol of heaven, it is as if God wanted to place heaven itself over Job, as if he had moved his throne near him. This is what also happened, it seems to me, "on the mountain," when "the cloud" settled on it, so that we might learn that "the voice came from above." Let us listen carefully, because it is the common Master of the universe who speaks. Let us see how he exhorts Job. Does he do it with the same vehemence of humankind? Not at all. Now we find a very clear solution to all the previous, disquieting questions, dear friends, which Job asked and to which we have tried to find a solution.
Since Job was overwhelmed by his dejection, God encourages him with his words, so that he may pay attention to what is said now, and he introduces his speech in the form of questions, which is the best means to convince. Above all, he shows that he does everything with wisdom and intelligence, and therefore it would have been inconsistent with God, who did so many things with wisdom and intelligence, to neglect the human beings for whom he has created everything, even when they are wretched, as in this case. "What do you say?" God asks.
He keeps [the sea] firmly within a sort of barrier, and in some perfect prescriptions of docility, as if he had given it precise commands. I have spoken, he says, and it did not reply, because that happens not only when no constraint forces it but also if the violence of an unchained power whips it quite hard. God has not allowed the sea to stand still and calm, in order that it may proclaim his power, because its nature fights against his commandments, and his commandment rules it everywhere. If water stood still, many people would have attributed its tranquility to the nature of the water; but since, in reality, it is restless and rises from inside, but without the strength to exceed its limits, its restlessness proclaims the power of God.
Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:2 Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.3 Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out.7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy face?8 If I ascend into heaven, thou art there: if I descend into hell, thou art present.9 If I take my wings early in the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea:10 Even there also shall thy hand lead me: and thy right hand shall hold me.13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast protected me from my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are thy works, and my soul knoweth right well.
Since, therefore, all things are seen and heard, let us fear him and abandon the abominable lusts that spawn evil works, in order that we may be shielded by his mercy from the coming judgments. For where can any of us escape from his mighty hand? For the Scripture says somewhere, "Where shall I go, and where shall I be hidden from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I depart to the ends of the earth, there is your right hand; if I take my bed in the depths, there is your Spirit." Where, then, can one go, or where can one flee from him who embraces the universe?
Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida. For if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the mighty works that have been wrought in you, they would have done penance long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgement, than for you.15 And thou, Capharnaum, which art exalted unto heaven, thou shalt be thrust down to hell.16 He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.
But at the same time He herein consoles His disciples, as if He said, Say not why are we about to suffer reproach. Let your speech be with moderation. I give you grace, upon Me your reproaches fall.
About CSB. A personal translation of the New Testament, rendered directly from the public-domain Greek in a literary style — not a scholarly critical edition, and not for liturgical or doctrinal authority. It is one reader's work, offered for enjoyment; where it matters, weigh it against an established translation. (Placeholder text — final wording to come.)