Dual Panel1"Listen, Job, to what I have to say.
2Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue.
3I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth.
4For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand.
6"Look, you and I are the same before God. I, too, was formed from clay.
7So you don’t need to be afraid of me. I am not some great person to make you nervous and afraid.
8"You have said it in my hearing. I have heard your very words.
9You said, ‘I am pure; I am innocent; I have not sinned.
10God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me to be his enemy.
11He puts my feet in the stocks and watches every move I make.’
12"In this you are not right, and I will show you why. As you yourself have said, ‘God is greater than any person.’
13So why are you bringing a charge against him? You say, ‘He does not respond to people’s complaints.’
14But God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.
15He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in bed.
16He whispers in their ear and terrifies them with his warning.
17He causes them to change their minds; he keeps them from pride.
18He keeps them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.
19Or God disciplines people with sickness and pain, with ceaseless aching in their bones.
20They lose their appetite and do not care for even the most delicious food.
21They waste away to skin and bones.
22They are at death’s door; the angels of death wait for them.
23"But if a special messenger from heaven is there to intercede for a person, to declare that he is upright,
24God will be gracious and say, ‘Set him free. Do not make him die, for I have found a ransom for his life.’
25Then his body will become as healthy as a child’s, firm and youthful again.
26When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.
27He will declare to his friends, ‘I sinned, but it was not worth it.
28God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.’
29"Yes, God often does these things for people.
30He rescues them from the grave so they may live in the light of the living.
31Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, and let me say more.
32But if you have anything to say, go ahead. I want to hear it, for I am anxious to see you justified.
33But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"