Elihu Rebukes Job

1Why, Job, I pray you, hear my speeches, and listen to all my words.

2Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has 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 has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.

5If you can answer me, set your words in order before me, stand up.

6Behold, I am according to your wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

7Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy on you.

8Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words, saying,

9I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.

10Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me for his enemy,

11He puts my feet in the stocks, he marks all my paths.

12Behold, in this you are not just: I will answer you, that God is greater than man.

13Why do you strive against him? for he gives not account of any of his matters.

14For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.

15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumberings on the bed;

16Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,

17That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

18He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

19He is chastened also with pain on his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:

20So that his life abhors 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.

22Yes, his soul draws near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

23If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:

24Then he is gracious to him, and said, 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 to God, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render to man his righteousness.

27He looks on 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.

29See, all these things works God oftentimes with man,

30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

31Mark well, O Job, listen to me: hold your peace, and I will speak.

32If you have anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify you.

33If not, listen to me: hold your peace, and I shall teach you wisdom.