Job 1:6-12

Summary: Meanwhile, back at the ra- I mean, meanwhile, God holds an audience with other heavenly beings. Satan, an accuser, steps up, announcing he's been eagerly investigating Earth. God brings Job to mind, repeating the narrator's superlatives. Satan promises, under oath, that if Job were to lose all of his stuff, he would surely curse God to His face. God takes him up on this bet, giving Satan permission to take all of Job's things but not harm him directly. Satisfied for now, Satan is granted leave from God's presence and gets to work on his plan. 

Response: We're somewhere between courtroom drama and royal court intrigue here but, either way, the message is clear: God is the One calling the shots. Satan only acts within the limits God grants him. The accuser tries to weasel and connive his way to bits of power, but God here shows His wisdom. Also, I like how God shows off Job like a proud parent with a million pictures on His phone.

Quick aside, I have read a copypasta that, as you read the Bible often and put it into practice, you weaken Satan's power. If anything, this seems to imply the opposite. 

As you're opening the Bible, Satan's ears prick up. 

Turning its pages, he begins his investigation. 

As you study, he perfects plans and machinations. 

As breakthroughs happen, he mobilizes his prosecution. 

But!

You are not alone. 

Yes, Satan does gear up when you take the Bible seriously. The only reason it looks like he flees is not for you, little Mouse, but for the great God standing at your back. Yes, this is a Gruffalo reference.