1 “ However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.

2 S ee now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth.

3 M y words shall utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.

4 T he Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

5 I f you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand up.

6 B ehold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.

7 B ehold, 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 B ehold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy.

11 H e 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 W hy do you strive against him, because he doesn’t give account of any of his matters?

14 F or God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.

15 I n a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed;

16 T hen he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,

17 T hat he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

18 H e keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

19 H e is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones;

20 S o that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.

21 H is flesh is so consumed away, that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.

22 Y es, 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 t hen God is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.’

25 H is flesh shall be fresher than a child’s. He returns to the days of his youth.

26 H e prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness.

27 H e sings before men, and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn’t profit me.

28 H e has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life shall see the light.’

29 “ Behold, God does all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man,

30 t o bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.

31 M ark well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.

32 I f you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you.

33 I f not, listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.”