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[1]Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
[2]Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath 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 hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
[5]If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
[6]Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
[7]Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
[8]Surely thou hast spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
[9]I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
[10]Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
[11]He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
[12]Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
[13]Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
[14]For God speaketh once, yes twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
[15]In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
[16]Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
[17]That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
[18]He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
[19]He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
[20]So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty food.
[21]His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
[22]Yes, his soul draweth near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
[23]If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:
[24]Then he is gracious to him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
[25]His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he will 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 looketh upon men, and if any shall 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]Lo, all these things God often worketh 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, hearken to me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
[32]If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
[33]If not, hearken to me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
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