New International Version NIV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 Then Job replied:
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Then Job answered:
2 “Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
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"Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning.
3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!
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Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling!
4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
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I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments
5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me.
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I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would not press charges against me.
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Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me.
7 There the upright can establish their innocence before him, and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.
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There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him.
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"If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him;
9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
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on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.
10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
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But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
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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 commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
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I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.
13 “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.
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But he stands alone and who can dissuade him? What he desires, that he does.
14 He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store.
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For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind
15 That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him.
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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.
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God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;
17 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.
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If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face!
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New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.