Job 33:1-33 CEB

[1] But now, listen to me, Job; pay attention to all my words. [2] Notice that I am opening my mouth; my tongue is speaking in my mouth. [3] My words come from a virtuous heart; my lips speak knowledge clearly. [4] God’s spirit made me; the Almighty’s breath enlivens me. [5] If you are able, answer me; lay out your case before me and take a stand. [6] Notice that I’m just like you to God; I also was pinched from clay. [7] Surely fear of me shouldn’t scare you; my pressure on you shouldn’t be heavy. [8] You certainly said in my hearing; I heard the sound of your words: [9] “I’m pure, without sin; I’m innocent, without offense. [10] Notice that he invents arguments against me; he considers me his enemy, [11] ties up my feet, watches all my paths.” [12] Now you’re wrong about this; I’ll answer you, for God is greater than anybody. [13] Why do you contend with him, saying that he doesn’t answer all your words? [14] God speaks in one way, in two ways, but no one perceives it. [15] In the dream, a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon humans, during their slumber on a bed, [16] then he opens people’s ears, scares them with warnings, [17] to turn them from a deed and to smother human pride. [18] He keeps one from the pit, a life from perishing by the sword. [19] Or a person may be disciplined by pain while in bed, bones ever aching [20] until a person loathes food, an appetite rejects a delicacy; [21] the flesh wastes away, no longer visible; the bones, once hidden, protrude. [22] A life approaches the pit; its very being draws near the death dealers. [23] Surely there’s a messenger for this person, a mediator, one out of a thousand to declare one’s integrity to another [24] so that God has compassion on that person and says, “Rescue this one from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom.” [25] That person’s flesh is renewed like a child’s; they regain their youth. [26] They pray to God, and God is pleased with them; they behold God’s presence with a joyful shout. God rewards a person’s righteousness. [27] They sing before people and say: “I have sinned, perverted justice, but didn’t experience the consequences. [28] He ransomed me from crossing into the pit; my life beholds light.” [29] Look, God does all this, twice, three times with persons [30] to bring them back from the pit, to shine with life’s light. [31] Listen, Job; hear me; be quiet, and I will speak. [32] If you have words, answer me; speak, for I want to be innocent. [33] If not, you must hear me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.