Parallel Bible results for "job 23"

Job 23

MSG

KJV

1 Job replied:
1 Then Job answered and said,
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!
2 Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3 If I knew where on earth to find him, I'd go straight to him.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
4 I'd lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand
4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I'd find out exactly what he's thinking, discover what's going on in his head.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
6 Do you think he'd dismiss me or bully me? No, he'd take me seriously.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
7 He'd see a straight-living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.
7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8 "I travel East looking for him - I find no one; then West, but not a trace;
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9 I go North, but he's hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse.
9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
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.
10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.
11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
12 I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice - I've treasured it.
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14 He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him
15 Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him? Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again.
15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 God makes my heart sink! God Almighty gives me the shudders!
16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
17 I'm completely in the dark, I can't see my hand in front of my face.
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
The King James Version is in the public domain.