Job 23

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 Then Job answered and said,	1 Job spoke next. He said:
2 Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.	2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!	3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?
4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.	4 I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.	5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.	6 Would he put al his strength into this debate with me? No, he would only have to give his attention tome,
7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.	7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:	8 If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I stil cannot see him.
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:	9 If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found, invisible as ever, if I turn to the south.
10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.	10 And yet he knows every step I take! Let him test me in the crucible: I shall come out pure gold.
11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.	11 My footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;
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.	12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.	13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.	14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.
15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.	15 That is why I am ful of fear before him, and the more I think, the greater grows my dread of him.
16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:	16 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.	17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!