Open English Translation JOB Chapter 33

33 So now Iyyov, please hear my speech,

≈and listen to all my words.

2 Listen, I’ve opened my mouth.

≈My tongue is ready to speak.

3 My words come from an honest heart,

≈and my lips utter what I truly believe.

4 The spirit of God created me,

≈and the provider gave me life.

5 If you can, answer me.

≈Get things in order then take a stand.

6 Listen, my words are just like yours in God’s sight.

≈I too was broken off from the clay.

7 Listen, fear of me shouldn’t terrify you.

≈I won’t be putting heavy pressure on you.

8 You’ve certainly spoken in my hearing,

≈and I’ve heard the sound of the words:

9 ‘I’m blameless—I haven’t disobeyed.

≈I’m innocent—I haven’t done anything wrong.

10 Listen, he finds reasons to accuse me.

≈He considers me as his enemy.

11 He locks my feet in shackles.[ref]

He watches me wherever I go.’

12 Listen, you’re not right about this.

I’ll tell you that God is greater than any person.

13 Why do you argue against him

since he doesn’t answer people’s questions?

14 God speaks with one person—

with two, but they don’t perceive it, ???

15 in a dream or a vision in the night,

when deep sleep falls on those asleep in bed.

How God warns people

16 Then he uncovers people’s ears,

and seals them with warnings ???

17 to turn people aside from their deeds,

and to stop them from becoming proud.

18 He spares their souls from the pit,

≈and their lives from perishing by the sword.

19 They’re chastened on their beds

with constant pain in their bones.

20 They have no desire for bread.

≈nor do their souls desire food.

21 Their flesh wastes right away from sight.

≈Their bones, not normally visible, now stick out.

22 Their souls get near to the pit,

≈and their lives to the messengers of death.

23 If there’s a messenger who will mediate for them,

≈one in a thousand to announce what’s right for them,

24 who’s gracious to them and says,

‘Spare that person from going down to the pit,

because I’ve found the ransom to pay for them.’

25 Then their flesh renews like that of a child.

≈They regain their youthful energy.

26 They’ll request God’s help and he’ll accept them.

They’ll give happy shouts when they see his face,

and when he repays them for their obedience.

27 They’ll sing to others, ??? TC ???

‘I sinned and I said that what was wrong was right,

but it wasn’t good for me.

28 He’s paid the ransom to keep my soul out of the pit,

so I’ll live to see the light.’

29 Listen, God does all those things to people several times,

30 to bring their souls back from the pit

so they can be enlightened with the light of life.

31 Pay attention, Iyyov, and listen to me.

Stay silent and then I’ll speak.

32 If you have words, answer me then.

Speak up because I’d like to hear that you’re innocent.

33 But if not, then listen to me.

Remain silent and I’ll teach you wisdom.