Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible RHE
New Living Translation NLT
1 Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all.
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“Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.
2 According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you.
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I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.
3 But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
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As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.
4 Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.
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As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.
5 And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.
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If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.
6 Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
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Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.
7 Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him?
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“Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?
8 Do you accept this person, and do you endeavour to judge for God?
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Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God’s case for him?
9 Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings?
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What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?
10 He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.
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No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.
11 As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you.
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Doesn’t his majesty terrify you? Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you?
12 Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.
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Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.
13 Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me.
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“Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.
14 Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands?
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Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands?
15 Although he should kill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.
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God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
16 And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence.
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But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
17 Hear ye my speech, and receive with your ears hidden truths.
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“Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
18 If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just.
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I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.
19 Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace?
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Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die.
20 Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:
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“O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.
21 Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me.
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Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.
22 Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me.
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Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offenses.
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Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.
24 Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy?
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Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
25 Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw.
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Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?
26 For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth.
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“You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.
27 Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet:
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You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.
28 Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is motheaten.
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I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.