To whom ¹  did you utter these words? And whose spirit has come forth from your mouth? ² 

After I had spoken, they did not respond; my words fell on them drop by drop. ¹ 

Job ¹  has not directed ²  his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments. ³ 

“They are dismayed ²  and cannot answer any more; they have nothing left to say. ³ 

“But now, O Job, listen to my words, and hear ¹  everything I have to say! ² 

If you have any words, ¹  reply to me; speak, for I want to justify you. ² 

For the ear assesses ¹  words as the mouth ²  tastes food.

“If you have ¹  understanding, listen to this, hear what I have to say. ² 

So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; ¹  without knowledge he multiplies words.”

“Be patient ¹  with me a little longer and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God’s behalf. ² 

For in truth, my words are not false; it is one complete ¹  in knowledge who is with you.

“Who is this ¹  who darkens counsel ²  with words without knowledge?

Certainly ¹  my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it. ² 

Do not speak in the ears of a fool, ¹  for he will despise the wisdom of your words. ² 

“O that ¹  my words were written down, O that they were written on a scroll, ² 

Look, I waited for you to speak; ¹  I listened closely to your wise thoughts, ² while you were searching for words.

Yet its voice ¹  echoes ²  throughout the earth; its ³  words carry ⁴  to the distant horizon. ⁵  In the sky ⁶  he has pitched a tent for the sun. ⁷ 

I also could speak ¹  like you, if ²  you were in my place; I could pile up ³  words against you and I could shake my head at you. ⁴