“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.” (Job 33:1-33 AV)
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