1. “Now, Job, listen to my words.Pay attention to everything I say.
2. I open my mouthand am ready to speak.
3. My words come from an honest heart,and I am sincere in saying what I know.
4. The Spirit of God created me,and the breath of the Almighty gave me life.
5. Answer me if you can;get yourself ready and stand before me.
6. I am just like you before God;I too am made out of clay.
7. Don’t be afraid of me;I will not be hard on you.
8. “But I heard what you have said;I heard every word.
9. You said, ‘I am pure and without sin;I am innocent and free from guilt.
10. But God has found fault with me;he considers me his enemy.
11. He locks my feet in chainsand closely watches everywhere I go.’
12. “But I tell you, you are not right in saying this,because God is greater than we are.