First Reading: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5

¹ Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:
¹² ”Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,
¹³ that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?
¹⁴ It is changed like clay under the seal, and it is dyed like a garment.
¹⁵ From the wicked their light is withheld, and their uplifted arm is broken.
¹⁶ ”Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?
¹⁷ Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
¹⁸ Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this.
¹⁹ ”Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness,
²⁰ that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home?
²¹ You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!
³ Then Job answered the LORD:
⁴ ”Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee? I lay my hand on my mouth.
⁵ I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”