^{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.

^{26 Ref} He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness.

^{27 Ref} He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not:

^{28 Ref} He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light.

^{29 Ref} Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, `yea' thrice, with a man,

^{30 Ref} To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living.