Job, 23
1. Job spoke next. He said:
1. Then Job answered:
2. My lament is still rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.
2. "Today also my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
3. Will no one help me to know how to travel to his dwelling?
3. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!
4. I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.
4. I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5. Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.
5. I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
6. Would he put all his strength into this debate with me? No, he would only have to give his attention to me,
6. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would give heed to me.
7. to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.
7. There an upright man could reason with him, and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.
8. If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I still cannot see him.
8. "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him;
9. If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found, invisible as ever, if I turn to the south.
9. on the left hand I seek him, but I cannot behold him; I turn to the right hand, but I cannot see him.
10. And yet he knows every step I take! Let him test me in the crucible: I shall come out pure gold.
10. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11. My footsteps have followed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;
11. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12. I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of his mouth.
12. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.
13. But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.
13. But he is unchangeable and who can turn him? What he desires, that he does.
14. No doubt, then, but he will carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.
14. For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind.
15. That is why I am full of fear before him, and the more I think, the greater grows my dread of him.
15. Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him.
16. God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.
16. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;
17. The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!
17. for I am hemmed in by darkness, and thick darkness covers my face.
