^{16 Ref} Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction,

^{17 Ref} That he may withdraw man `from his' purpose, And hide pride from man;

^{18 Ref} He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

^{19 Ref} He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones;

^{20 Ref} So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food.

^{21 Ref} His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; And his bones that were not seen stick out.

^{22 Ref} Yea, his soul draweth near unto the pit, And his life to the destroyers.

^{23 Ref} If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him;

^{24 Ref} Then `God' is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.

^{25 Ref} His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth.