1
One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan also showed up.
2
God singled out Satan, saying, "And what have you been up to?" Satan answered God, "Oh, going here and there, checking things out."
3
Then God said to Satan, "Have you noticed my friend Job? There's no one quite like him, is there - honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn't work."
4
Satan answered, "A human would do anything to save his life.
5
But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away his health? He'd curse you to your face, that's what."
6
God said, "All right. Go ahead - you can do what you like with him. But mind you, don't kill him."
7
Satan left God and struck Job with terrible sores. Job was ulcers and scabs from head to foot.
8
They itched and oozed so badly that he took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself, then went and sat on a trash heap, among the ashes.
9
His wife said, "Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!"