19-22 “Or, God might get their attention through pain,by throwing them on a bed of suffering,So they can’t stand the sight of food,have no appetite for their favorite treats.They lose weight, wasting away to nothing,reduced to a bag of bones.They hang on the cliff-edge of death,knowing the next breath may be their last.
23-25 “But even then an angel could come,a champion—there are thousands of them!—to take up your cause,A messenger who would mercifully intervene,canceling the death sentence with the words:‘I’ve come up with the ransom!’Before you know it, you’re healed,the very picture of health!
26-28 “Or, you may fall on your knees and pray—to God’s delight!You’ll see God’s smile and celebrate,finding yourself set right with God.You’ll sing God’s praises to everyone you meet,testifying, ‘I messed up my life—and let me tell you, it wasn’t worth it.But God stepped in and saved me from certain death.I’m alive again! Once more I see the light!’
29-30 “This is the way God works.Over and over againHe pulls our souls back from certain destructionso we’ll see the light—and live in the light!
31-33 “Keep listening, Job.Don’t interrupt—I’m not finished yet.But if you think of anything I should know, tell me.There’s nothing I’d like better than to see your name cleared.Meanwhile, keep listening. Don’t distract me with interruptions.I’m going to teach you the basics of wisdom.”