New International Version NIV
New International Version NIV
16 Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
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Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing.
17 He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.
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He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.
18 He would not let me catch my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.
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He would not let me catch my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.
19 If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him ?
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If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him ?
20 Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
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Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
21 “Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.
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“Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.
22 It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’
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It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’
23 When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.
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When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.
24 When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges. If it is not he, then who is it?
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When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges. If it is not he, then who is it?
25 “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
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“My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
26 They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.
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They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.
27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
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If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
28 I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
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I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
29 Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?
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Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?
30 Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with cleansing powder,
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Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with cleansing powder,
31 you would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me.
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you would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me.
32 “He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court.
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“He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court.
33 If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together,
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If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together,
34 someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.
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someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.
35 Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot.
35
Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot.
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.
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.