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Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
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Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
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My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
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The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
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If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.
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Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
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Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
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Surely thou hast spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of [thy] words, [saying],
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I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me.
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Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
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He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
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Behold, [in] this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
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Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
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For God speaketh once, yes twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.
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In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
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Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
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That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.
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He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
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He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]:
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So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty food.
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His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out.
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Yes, his soul draweth near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
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If there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:
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Then he is gracious to him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
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His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he will return to the days of his youth:
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He 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.
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He looketh upon men, and [if any] shall say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;
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He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
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Lo, all these [things] God often worketh with man,
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To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
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Mark well, O Job, hearken to me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
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If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
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If not, hearken to me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.