|
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 1dream, 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 anything 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. |