19Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain

with constant distress in his bones,

20so that his very being finds food repulsive

and his soul loathes the choicest meal.

21His flesh wastes away to nothing,

and his bones, once hidden, now stick out.

22His soul draws near to the pit,^d

and his life to the messengers of death.^e

23“Yet if there is an angel on his side

as a mediator, one out of a thousand,

to tell a man what is right for him,

24to be gracious to him and say,

‘Spare him from going down to the pit^f;

I have found a ransom for him’—

25then his flesh is renewed like a child’s;

it is restored as in the days of his youth.

26He prays to God and finds favor with him,

he sees God’s face and shouts for joy;

he is restored by God to his righteous state.

27Then he comes to men and says,

‘I sinned, and perverted what was right,

but I did not get what I deserved.

28He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit,^g

and I will live to enjoy the light.’

29“God does all these things to a man—

twice, even three times—

30to turn back his soul from the pit,^h

that the light of life may shine on him.

31“Pay attention, Job, and listen to me;

be silent, and I will speak.

32If you have anything to say, answer me;

speak up, for I want you to be cleared.

33But if not, then listen to me;

be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”