King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
18
He would not let me catch my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.
19 If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?
19
If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him ?
20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
20
Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.
21 Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
21
“Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.
22 This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked.
22
It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’
23 If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent.
23
When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.
24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
24
When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges. If it is not he, then who is it?
25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
25
“My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.
26 They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey.
26
They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.
27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself:
27
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.
28
I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.