Job 23

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Again Job answered and said:	1 Again Job answered and said:
2 Though I know my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings.	2 Though I know my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings.
3 Oh, that today I might find him, that I might come to his judgment seat!	3 Oh, that today I might find him, that I might come to his judgment seat!
4 I would set out my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;	4 I would set out my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;
5 I would learn the words with which he would answer, and understand what he would reply to me.	5 I would learn the words with which he would answer, and understand what he would reply to me.
6 Even should he contend against me with his great power, yet, would that he himself might heed me!	6 Even should he contend against me with his great power, yet, would that he himself might heed me!
7 There the upright man might reason with him, and I should once and for all preserve my rights.	7 There the upright man might reason with him, and I should once and for all preserve my rights.
8 But if I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I cannot perceive him;	8 But if I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I cannot perceive him;
9 Where the north enfolds him, I behold him not; by the south he is veiled, and I see him not.	9 Where the north enfolds him, I behold him not; by the south he is veiled, and I see him not.
10 Yet he knows my way; if he proved me, I should come forth as gold.	10 Yet he knows my way; if he proved me, I should come forth as gold.
11 My foot has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside.	11 My foot has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside.
12 From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.	12 From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.
13 But he had decided, and who can say him nay? What he desires, that he does.	13 But he had decided, and who can say him nay? What he desires, that he does.
14 For he will carry out what is appointed for me; and many such things may yet be in his mind.	14 For he will carry out what is appointed for me; and many such things may yet be in his mind.
15 Therefore am I dismayed before him; when I take thought, I fear him.	15 Therefore am I dismayed before him; when I take thought, I fear him.
16 Indeed God has made my courage fail; the Almighty has put me in dismay.	16 Indeed God has made my courage fail; the Almighty has put me in dismay.
17 Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, and that thick gloom were before me to conceal me.	17 Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, and that thick gloom were before me to conceal me.