1. And now, Job, listen carefullyto all that I have to say.
2. I am ready to say what's on my mind.
3. All my words are sincere,and I am speaking the truth.
4. God's Spirit made me and gave me life.
5. Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments.
6. You and I are the same in God's sight,both of us were formed from clay.
7. So you have no reason to fear me;I will not overpower you.
8. Now this is what I heard you say:
9. “I am not guilty; I have done nothing wrong.I am innocent and free from sin.
10. But God finds excuses for attacking meand treats me like an enemy.
11. He binds chains on my feet;he watches every move I make.”
12. But I tell you, Job, you are wrong.God is greater than any human being.
13. Why do you accuse Godof never answering our complaints?
14. Although God speaks again and again,no one pays attention to what he says.
15. At night when people are asleep,God speaks in dreams and visions.
16. He makes them listen to what he says,and they are frightened at his warnings.
17. God speaks to make them stop their sinningand to save them from becoming proud.