1. ‘But now, Job, listen to my words;pay attention to everything I say.
2. I am about to open my mouth;my words are on the tip of my tongue.
3. My words come from an upright heart;my lips sincerely speak what I know.
4. The Spirit of God has made me;the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5. Answer me then, if you can;stand up and argue your case before me.
6. I am the same as you in God’s sight;I too am a piece of clay.
7. No fear of me should alarm you,nor should my hand be heavy on you.
8. ‘But you have said in my hearing –I heard the very words –
9. “I am pure, I have done no wrong;I am clean and free from sin.
10. Yet God has found fault with me;he considers me his enemy.
11. He fastens my feet in shackles;he keeps close watch on all my paths.”
12. ‘But I tell you, in this you are not right,for God is greater than any mortal.
13. Why do you complain to himthat he responds to no one’s words?
14. For God does speak – now one way, now another –though no one perceives it.