Job 33:1-33 GW

[1] "Please, Job, listen to my words and consider everything I say. [2] I've opened my mouth. The words are on the tip of my tongue. [3] My words are straight from the heart, and I sincerely speak the knowledge that is on my lips. [4] "God's Spirit has made me. The breath of the Almighty gives me life. [5] Answer me if you can. Present your case to me, and take your stand. [6] Indeed, I stand in front of God as you do. I, too, was formed from a piece of clay. [7] You certainly don't need to be terrified of me. I won't put too much pressure on you. [8] "But you spoke directly to me, and I listened to your words. [9] You said, 'I'm pure-without any rebellious acts against God. I'm clean; I have no sin. [10] God is only looking for an excuse to attack me. He considers me his enemy. [11] He puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.' [12] You aren't right about this! I've got an answer for you: God is greater than any mortal. [13] Why do you quarrel with him since he doesn't answer any questions? [14] "God speaks in one way, even in two ways without people noticing it: [15] In a dream, a prophetic vision at night, when people fall into a deep sleep, when they sleep on their beds, [16] he opens people's ears and terrifies them with warnings. [17] He warns them to turn away from doing wrong and to stop being arrogant. [18] He keeps their souls from the pit and their lives from crossing the River of Death. [19] In pain on their sickbeds, they are disciplined with endless aching in their bones [20] so that their whole being hates food and they lose their appetite for a delicious meal. [21] Their flesh becomes so thin that it can't be seen. Their bones, not seen before, will be exposed. [22] Their souls approach the pit. Their lives come close to those already dead. [23] "If they have a messenger for them, a spokesman, one in a thousand, to tell people what is right for them, [24] then he will have pity on them and say, 'Free them from going into the pit. I have found a ransom.' [25] Then their flesh will become softer than a child's. They will go back to the days of their youth. [26] They will pray to God, who will be pleased with them. They will see God's face and shout for joy as he restores their righteousness. [27] Each one sings in front of other people and says, 'I sinned and did wrong instead of what was right, and it did me no good. [28] The messenger has freed my soul from going into the pit, and my life will see the light.' [29] Truly, God does all this two or three times with people [30] to turn their souls away from the pit and to enlighten them with the light of life. [31] "Pay attention, Job! Listen to me! Keep quiet, and let me speak. [32] If you have a response, answer me. Speak, because I'd be happy if you were right. [33] If not, you listen to me. Keep quiet, and I'll teach you wisdom."