One day the divine beings presented themselves before the LORD, and the Adversary [satan] came along with them. The LORD said to the Adversary, "Where have you been?" The Adversary answered the LORD, "I have been roaming all over the earth." The LORD said to the Adversary, "Have you noticed My servant Job? There is no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil!" The Adversary answered the LORD, "Does Job not have good reason to fear God? Why, it is You who have fenced him round, him and his household and all that he has. You have blessed his efforts so that his possessions spread out in the land. But lay Your hand upon all that he has and he will surely blaspheme You to Your face. The LORD replied to the Adversary, "See, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on him". The Adversary departed from the presence of the LORD.

Job 1: 6-12

(JPS)