Chapter 33

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  For God speaketh once, yes twice, yet man perceiveth it not.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:  

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

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

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  He shall pray to God, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render to man his righteousness.  

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

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

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  Lo, all these things God often worketh with man,  

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

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

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

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

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