| 1 | "However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words. |
| 2 | See now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth. |
| 3 | My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they shall speak sincerely. |
| 4 | The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. |
| 5 | If you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand forth. |
| 6 | Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay. |
| 7 | Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my pressure be heavy on you. |
| 8 | "Surely you have spoken in my hearing, I have heard the voice of your words, saying, |
| 9 | 'I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me. |
| 10 | Behold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy. |
| 11 | He puts my feet in the stocks. He marks all my paths.' |
| 12 | "Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than man. |
| 13 | Why do you strive against him, because he doesn't give account of any of his matters? |
| 14 | For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention. |
| 15 | In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed; |
| 16 | Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction, |
| 17 | That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. |
| 18 | He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. |
| 19 | He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones; |
| 20 | So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food. |
| 21 | His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out. |
| 22 | Yes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers. |
| 23 | "If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him; |
| 24 | then God is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.' |
| 25 | His flesh shall be fresher than a child's. He returns to the days of his youth. |
| 26 | He prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness. |
| 27 | He sings before men, and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn't profit me. |
| 28 | He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life shall see the light.' |
| 29 | "Behold, God works all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man, |
| 30 | to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living. |
| 31 | Mark well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak. |
| 32 | If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you. |
| 33 | If not, listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom." |
