GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
18 He keeps their souls from the pit and their lives from crossing the River [of Death].
18
to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.
19 In pain on their sickbeds, they are disciplined with endless aching in their bones
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“Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones,
20 so that their whole being hates food and they lose their appetite for a delicious meal.
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so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal.
21 Their flesh becomes so thin that it can't be seen. Their bones, not seen before, will be exposed.
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Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out.
22 Their souls approach the pit. Their lives come close to those already dead.
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They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death.
23 "If they have a messenger for them, a spokesman, one in a thousand, to tell people what is right for them,
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Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright,
24 then he will have pity on them and say, 'Free them from going into the pit. I have found a ransom.'
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and he is gracious to that person and says to God, ‘Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them—
25 Then their flesh will become softer than a child's. They will go back to the days of their youth.
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let their flesh be renewed like a child’s; let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
26 They will pray to God, who will be pleased with them. They will see God's face and shout for joy as he restores their righteousness.
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then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being.
27 Each one sings in front of other people and says, 'I sinned and did wrong instead of what was right, and it did me no good.
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And they will go to others and say, ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right, but I did not get what I deserved.
28 The messenger has freed my soul from going into the pit, and my life will see the light.'
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God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.