1Wherefore , Job , I pray thee, hear my speeches , and hearken to all my words . 2Behold, now I have opened my mouth , my tongue hath spoken in my mouth . 3My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart : and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly . 4The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life . 5If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up . 6Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay . 7Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid , neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
The Nature of God's Communication
8Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing , and I have heard the voice of thy words , saying , 9I am clean without transgression , I am innocent ; neither is there iniquity in me. 10Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy , 11He putteth my feet in the stocks , he marketh all my paths . 12Behold, in this thou art not just : I will answer thee, that God is greater than man . 13Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters . 14For God speaketh once , yea twice , yet man perceiveth it not. 15In a dream , in a vision of the night , when deep sleep falleth upon men , in slumberings upon the bed ; 16Then he openeth the ears of men , and sealeth their instruction , 17That he may withdraw man from his purpose , and hide pride from man . 18He keepeth back his soul from the pit , and his life from perishing by the sword .
The Role of Suffering in God's Plan
19He is chastened also with pain upon his bed , and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: 20So that his life abhorreth bread , and his soul dainty meat . 21His flesh is consumed away , that it cannot be seen ; and his bones that were not seen stick out . 22Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave , and his life to the destroyers . 23If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter , one among a thousand , to shew unto man his uprightness : 24Then he is gracious unto him, and saith , Deliver him from going down to the pit : I have found a ransom . 25His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s : he shall return to the days of his youth : 26He 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 . 27He looketh upon men , and if any say , I have sinned , and perverted that which was right , and it profited me not; 28He will deliver his soul from going into the pit , and his life shall see the light . 29Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man , 30To bring back his soul from the pit , to be enlightened with the light of the living .
The Call to Repentance and Restoration
31Mark well , O Job , hearken unto me: hold thy peace , and I will speak . 32If thou hast any thing to say , answer me: speak , for I desire to justify thee. 33If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace , and I shall teach thee wisdom .