21. Their flesh becomes so thin that it can’t be seen.Their bones, not seen before, will be exposed.
22. Their souls approach the pit.Their lives come close to those already dead.
23. “If they have a messenger for them,a spokesman, one in a thousand,to tell people what is right for them,
24. then he will have pity on them and say,‘Free them from going into the pit.I have found a ransom.’
25. Then their flesh will become softer than a child’s.They will go back to the days of their youth.
26. They will pray to God, who will be pleased with them.They will see God’s face and shout for joyas he restores their righteousness.
27. Each one sings in front of other people and says,‘I sinned and did wrong instead of what was right,and it did me no good.
28. The messenger has freed my soul from going into the pit,and my life will see the light.’
29. Truly, God does all this two or three times with people
30. to turn their souls away from the pitand to enlighten them with the light of life.
31. “Pay attention, Job! Listen to me!Keep quiet, and let me speak.
32. If you have a response, answer me.Speak, because I’d be happy if you were right.
33. If not, you listen to me.Keep quiet, and I’ll teach you wisdom.”