[1] Why, Job, I pray you, hear my speeches, and listen to all my words.
[2] Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has spoken in my mouth.
[3] My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
[4] The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.
[5] If you can answer me, set your words in order before me, stand up.
[6] Behold, I am according to your wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
[7] Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy on you.
[8] Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words, saying,
[9] I am clean without transgression, 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, in this you are not just: I will answer you, that God is greater than man.
[13] Why do you strive against him? for he gives not account of any of his matters.
[14] For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.
[15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumberings 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, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
[20] So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty meat.
[21] His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
[22] Yes, his soul draws near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
[23] If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:
[24] Then he 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 shall return to the days of his youth:
[26] He shall pray to God, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render to man his righteousness.
[27] He looks on men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
[28] He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
[29] See, all these things works God oftentimes with man,
[30] To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
[31] Mark well, O Job, 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 shall teach you wisdom.