[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. in my mouth: Heb. in my palate
[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. wish: Heb. mouth formed: Heb. cut
[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 , hearing: Heb. ears
[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. he giveth...: Heb. he answereth not
[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, he...: Heb. he revealeth, or, uncovereth
[17]
That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. purpose: Heb. work
[18]
He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. from perishing: Heb. from passing
[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. dainty...: Heb. meat of desire
[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. a ransom: or, an atonement
[25]
His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: a child's: Heb. childhood
[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; He...: or, He shall look upon men, and say
[28]
He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. He...: or, He hath delivered my soul, etc, and my life
[29]
Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, oftentimes: Heb. twice and thrice
[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.

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