Parallel Bible results for "job 23"

Job 23

English Standard Version ESV

1 Then Job answered and said:

2 "Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.

3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!

4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me.

6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me.

7 There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

8 "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him;

9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.

10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.

14 For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.

15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him.

16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;

17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness, nor because thick darkness covers my face.

The Message Bible MSG

1 Job replied:

2 "I'm not letting up - I'm standing my ground. My complaint is legitimate. God has no right to treat me like this - it isn't fair!

3 If I knew where on earth to find him, I'd go straight to him.

4 I'd lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand

5 I'd find out exactly what he's thinking, discover what's going on in his head.

6 Do you think he'd dismiss me or bully me? No, he'd take me seriously.

7 He'd see a straight-living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.

8 "I travel East looking for him - I find no one; then West, but not a trace;

9 I go North, but he's hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse.

10 "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors.

11 I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.

12 I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice - I've treasured it.

13 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.

14 He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do

15 Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him? Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again.

16 God makes my heart sink! God Almighty gives me the shudders!

17 I'm completely in the dark, I can't see my hand in front of my face.