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 mine 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, yea 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 meat. |
21 | His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out. |
22 | Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. |
23 | If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: |
24 | Then he is gracious unto 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 shall return to the days of his youth: |
26 | He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. |
27 | He looketh upon 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 | Lo, all these [things] worketh 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, hearken unto 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 unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom. |