[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."