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.
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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,
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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,
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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, yea 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 meat.
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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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Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
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If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
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Then he is gracious unto 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 shall return to the days of his youth:
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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.
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He looketh upon men, and if any 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 worketh God oftentimes 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 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.