19 Someone might be punished by suffering in bed. The pain in his bones might never go away.
20 He might feel so bad he can't eat anything. He might even hate the finest food.
21 His body might waste away to nothing. His bones might have been hidden. But now they stick out.
22 He might approach the very edge of the grave. The messengers of death might come for him.
23 "But suppose there is an angel who will speak up for him. The angel is very special. He's one out of a thousand. He will tell that person what is right for him.
24 He'll be gracious to him. He'll say to God, 'Spare him from going down into the grave. I know a way that can set him free.'
25 Then his body is made like new again. He becomes as strong and healthy as when he was young.