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