God, Job and the Devil

Now a long time ago lived a man named Job
Who was reverent and righteous, turning from sin
He had many children, cattle and servants
Indeed he was richer than all other men

Now there came a time when the angels of God
Went to present themselves there at His throne
The devil was also among them that day
And he stood before God just like one of His own

"Have you consider, Job?" Said the Lord
"A man who is blameless in word and deed
None on the earth can be likened to him
Whatever is righteous, he's anxious to heed"

"Well, of course the man's faithful
And obedient to You
He's just playin' the game
Because You do what You do
You've put up a hedge
'Round his house and his lands
You've been blessing his blocks
And every work of his hands"

"He's like all the rest of this rabble today
He gives loyal service to the one who will pay
But take away all of those things that You gave
And he'll curse You 'til the day that he goes to his grave!"

Then the devil went out and took all of Job's riches
And he killed all his children in an instant of time
And Job tore his robes, but he worshipped the Lord
And Job did not sin or curse God for this crime

Now again came a time when the angels of God
Went to present themselves there at His throne
The devil was also among them that day
And he stood before God just like one of His own

"Have you considered, Job?" said the Lord
"Even though without reason you've brought him so low
Still, he is faithful, he's righteous and blameless
For all of your evil there's nothing to show"

"Well, of course he's been quiet and he's holding his tongue!
A man would give all he owns to escape being hung!
But if You’ll just let me lay his body to waste
The veneer will come off and he'll spit in Your face!"

So, Satan went out and he struck Job with sores
From his head to his feet, he had boils on his skin
Until even his wife shrieked at Job and said
"Why don't you just give it up, go on, curse God and die!"

But Job sat in ashes alone with his pain
And wished for the day when he'd go to the dead
And though covered in mis'ry, he still held his peace
And committed no sin in the words that he said