Eliphaz said, "Is not your wickedness great? You withheld bread from the hungry. Is not God high? Submit to him and be at peace." Job said, "If only I knew where to find God! When he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. But he does whatever he pleases." "The wounded cry out, but God charges no one with wrong. Some rebel against the light; they are exalted a while, and then are gone."

Bildad said, "Why are we stupid in your sight? Indeed, the light of the wicked goes out. His roots dry up and his branches wither." Job said, "How long will you torment me? God counts me as an enemy. My closest friends abhor me. But I know that my redeemer lives!" Zophar said, "My understanding inspires me to answer. The triumph of the wicked is short. His food will turn sour in his stomach." Job said, "Listen to me. Why do the wicked grow mighty? How often do they have trouble? Who repays them? Your answers are empty!"

Eliphaz said, "Your own mouth condemns you! Why do you turn against God? The wicked will be like a vine stripped of unripe grapes." Job said, "You're miserable comforters! God has torn me and shattered me. But my prayer is pure. Even now, my advocate is on high!" "My spirit is broken. He has made me a byword. But come again all of you! I will not find a wise man among you. Where is my hope?" 

Job said, "Who does not know all these things? With God are wisdom and power. He brings darkness into light. He destroys nations." "I want to argue my case with God. Be quiet and I will speak. Though he slay me, I will hope in him. God, why do you hide your face?" "Man is like a fleeting shadow. If a tree is cut down, it will sprout again, but will a man live again? You overpower him forever."

Bildad said, "Does God pervert justice? Learn from past generations. He will not reject the blameless, nor will he uphold evildoers." Job said, "How can a man dispute with God? His power is vast! But he destroys the innocent. If only there were a mediator between us!" "God, why do you reject the work of your hands? You know that I am not guilty! Why did you bring me out of the womb? Leave me alone." Zophar said, "Should your babble go unanswered? God exacts less than your guilt deserves! Reach out to him and you will find hope."

Eliphaz said, "Will you become impatient? When did the innocent ever perish? I heard a voice: 'Can a man be more righteous than God?' " "Who will answer you? Man is born to trouble. As for me, I would seek God. Do not despise his discipline. He wounds, but he binds up." Job said, "My misery would outweigh the sand of the seas! You have proved no help. Show me how I have been wrong! Would I lie to you?" "O God, my life is but a breath! Therefore I will speak out. What is man, that you examine him? Why have you set me as your target?"

Job was blameless. The LORD allowed Satan to test him. Job's servants and children were killed. He tore his robes and worshipped. Satan struck Job with boils. Job's wife told him to curse God. But Job did not sin. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar came to comfort him. Job said, "Curse the day I was born! Why did I not die at birth? Why is light given to him who suffers? I have no rest, only turmoil."

At the feast, the king asked Esther, "What is your request?" She said, "My people have been sold by Haman." The king had Haman hanged. The king gave his ring to Mordecai. Mordecai sent letters to the provinces allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews rejoiced. On the day of the king's decree, the Jews destroyed their enemies. Mordecai wrote to all the Jews and established the Feast of Purim. Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. 

Mordecai asked Esther to plead with the king. Esther said, "Hold a fast. I will go to the king against the law, and if I die, I die." Esther won favour with the king. She said, "Let the king and Haman come to a feast tomorrow." Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai. That night the king read about the plot against him. Haman came to ask about hanging Mordecai. The king told Haman to honour Mordecai.

King Ahasuerus gave a feast for all his officials. Queen Vashti refused to come to him, so the wise men advised him to replace her. Mordecai raised Esther. She was taken into the king's harem and was chosen as queen. Mordecai told Esther of a plot against the king. Ahasuerus promoted Haman, but Mordecai would not bow to him. Haman asked to destroy the Jews. The king gave his seal for the decree.