Job 33:1-21 ▼

1 Why, Job, I pray you, hear my speeches, and listen to all my words.

2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has 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 has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.

5 If you can answer me, set your words in order before me, stand up.

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

7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy on you.

8 Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words, saying,

9 I am clean without transgression, 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, in this you are not just: I will answer you, that God is greater than man.

13 Why do you strive against him? for he gives not account of any of his matters.

14 For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.

15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumberings 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, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

20 So that his life abhors 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.