Job 33:1-33 NLT

[1] "Listen to my words, Job; pay attention to what I have to say. [2] Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue. [3] I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. [4] For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. [5] Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand. [6] Look, you and I both belong to God. I, too, was formed from clay. [7] So you don't need to be afraid of me. I won't come down hard on you. [8] "You have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard your very words. [9] You said, 'I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt. [10] God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy. [11] He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.' [12] "But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being. [13] So why are you bringing a charge against him? Why say he does not respond to people's complaints? [14] For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. [15] He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. [16] He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. [17] He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride. [18] He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death. [19] "Or God disciplines people with pain on their sickbeds, with ceaseless aching in their bones. [20] They lose their appetite for even the most delicious food. [21] Their flesh wastes away, and their bones stick out. [22] They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them. [23] "But if an angel from heaven appears- a special messenger to intercede for a person and declare that he is upright- [24] he will be gracious and say, 'Rescue him from the grave, for I have found a ransom for his life.' [25] Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again. [26] When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing. [27] He will declare to his friends, 'I sinned and twisted the truth, but it was not worth it. [28] God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.' [29] "Yes, God does these things again and again for people. [30] He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. [31] Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. [32] But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. [33] But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"