Job 9:20-30

20 I am innocent and faithful, but my words sound guilty, and everything I say seems to condemn me.
21 I am innocent, but I no longer care. I am sick of living.
22 Nothing matters; innocent or guilty, God will destroy us.
23 When an innocent person suddenly dies, God laughs.
24 God gave the world to the wicked. He made all the judges blind. And if God didn't do it, who did?
25 My days race by, not one of them good.
26 My life passes like the swiftest boat, as fast as an eagle swooping down on a rabbit.
27 If I smile and try to forget my pain, all my suffering comes back to haunt me;
28 I know that God does hold me guilty.
29 Since I am held guilty, why should I bother?
30 No soap can wash away my sins.

Job 9:20-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 9

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to Bildad, and in this he asserts the strict justice at God; which is such, that no man can be just in his sight, not being able to answer to one charge, or for one sin, of a thousand he is guilty of, Job 9:1-3; and that such are his wisdom and power, that the most daring man cannot expect to succeed in an opposition to him, Job 9:4; instances are given of his power in the works of nature and providence, Job 9:5-10; notice is taken of the imperceptibleness of his actions and motions, and of his sovereignty in all his ways, Job 9:11,12; and of his fierce wrath and anger, which is such as obliges the proudest of men to stoop under him; and therefore Job chose not to contend in a judicial way with him, but in a suppliant manner would entreat him, since his hand was so heavy upon him, Job 9:13-21; he affirms, in direct opposition to Bildad and his friends, and insists upon it, that God afflicts both the righteous and the wicked; yea, gives the earth to the latter when he slays the former, Job 9:22-24; he then observes the shortness of his days, and complains of his heavy afflictions, Job 9:25-28; and concludes, that it was in vain for him to expect his cause to be heard before God, there being no daysman between them; and wishes that the dread of the Divine Majesty might be taken from him, and then he would freely and without fear speak unto him, Job 9:29-35.

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.