[1] "But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words. [2]
Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks. [3] My words
declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak
sincerely. [4] The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the
Almighty gives me life. [5] Answer me, if you can; set your words in order
before me; take your stand. [6] Behold, I am toward God as you are; I too
was formed from a piece of clay. [7] Behold, no fear of me need terrify
you; my pressure will not be heavy upon you. [8] "Surely, you have spoken
in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words. [9] You say, `u
say, "I am clean, without transgression; I am pure, and there is no
iniquity in me. [10] Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as
his enemy; [11] he puts my feet in the stocks, and watches all my paths.'
[12] "Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you. God is greater
than man. [13] Why do you contend against him, saying, `He will answer none
of my words'? [14] For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does
not perceive it. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep
falls upon men, while they slumber on their beds, [16] then he opens the
ears of men, and terrifies them with warnings, [17] that he may turn man
aside from his deed, and cut off pride from man; [18] he keeps back his
soul from the Pit, his life from perishing by the sword. [19] "Man is also
chastened with pain upon his bed, and with continual strife in his bones;
[20] so that his life loathes bread, and his appetite dainty food. [21] His
flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen; and his bones which were
not seen stick out. [22] His soul draws near the Pit, and his life to those
who bring death. [23] If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the
thousand, to declare to man what is right for him; [24] and he is gracious
to him, and says, `eliver him from going down into the Pit, I have found a
ransom; [25] let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the
days of his youthful vigor'; [26] then man prays to God, and he accepts
him, he comes into his presence with joy. He recounts to men his salvation,
[27] and he sings before men, and says: `d perverted what was right, and it
was not requited to me. [28] He has redeemed my soul from going down into
the Pit, and my life shall see the light.' [29] "Behold, God does all these
things, twice, three times, with a man, [30] to bring back his soul from
the Pit, that he may see the light of life. [31] Give heed, O Job, listen
to me; be silent, 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;
be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."