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