Chapter 33

  Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.  

--

  Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.  

--

  My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.  

--

  The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.  

--

  If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.  

--

  Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.  

--

  Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.  

--

  Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of [thy] words, [saying],  

--

  I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me.  

--

  Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,  

--

  He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.  

--

  Behold, [in] this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.  

--

  Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.  

--

  For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.  

--

  In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;  

--

  Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,  

--

  That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.  

--

  He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.  

--

  He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]:  

--

  So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.  

--

  His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out.  

--

  Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.  

--

  If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:  

--

  Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.  

--

  His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:  

--

  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.  

--

  He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;  

--

  He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.  

--

  Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man,  

--

  To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.  

--

  Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.  

--

  If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.  

--

  If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.  

--