Parallel Bible results for "job 23"

Job 23

1 Then Job answered, and said:

1 Job replied:

2 Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.

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 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?

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

4 I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints

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

5 That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

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

6 I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.

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

7 Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.

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

8 But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.

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

9 If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him.

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

10 But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:

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 My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

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

12 I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.

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

13 For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done.

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

14 And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him

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

15 And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.

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

16 God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.

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

17 For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.

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

The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain.