1
WEB
“However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.
2
WEB
See now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3
WEB
My words will utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they will speak sincerely.
4
WEB
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5
WEB
If you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand up.
6
WEB
Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.
7
WEB
Behold, my terror will not make you afraid, neither will my pressure be heavy on you.
8
WEB
“Surely you have spoken in my hearing, I have heard the voice of your words, saying,
9
WEB
‘I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.
10
WEB
Behold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy.
11
WEB
He puts my feet in the stocks. He marks all my paths.’
12
WEB
“Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than man.
13
WEB
Why do you strive against him, because he doesn’t give account of any of his matters?
14
WEB
For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.
15
WEB
In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed,
16
WEB
then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,
17
WEB
that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18
WEB
He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19
WEB
“He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones,
20
WEB
so that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.
21
WEB
His flesh is so consumed away that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.
22
WEB
Yes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.
23
WEB
“If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him,
24
WEB
then God is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.’
25
WEB
His flesh will be fresher than a child’s. He returns to the days of his youth.
26
WEB
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
WEB
He sings before men, and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn’t profit me.
28
WEB
He has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life will see the light.’
29
WEB
“Behold, God does all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man,
30
WEB
to bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
31
WEB
Mark well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.
32
WEB
If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you.
33
WEB
If not, listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.”
WEB: World English Bible (Protestant edition). Public domain.