Job 23

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 Again Job answered and said:	1 Job spoke next. He said:
2 Though I know my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings.	2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.
3 Oh, that today I might find him, that I might come to his judgment seat!	3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?
4 I would set out 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 learn the words with which he would answer, and understand what he would reply to me.	5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.
6 Even should he contend against me with his great power, yet, would that he himself might heed 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 upright man might reason with him, and I should once and for all preserve my rights.	7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.
8 But if I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, 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 Where the north enfolds him, I behold him not; by the south he is veiled, and I see him not.	9 If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found, invisible as ever, if I turn to the south.
10 Yet he knows my way; if he proved me, I should 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 has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside.	11 My footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;
12 From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.	12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.
13 But he had decided, and who can say him nay? What he desires, that he does.	13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.
14 For he will carry out what is appointed for me; and many such things may yet be in his mind.	14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.
15 Therefore am I dismayed before him; when I take thought, I fear 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 Indeed God has made my courage fail; the Almighty has put me in dismay.	16 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.
17 Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, and that thick gloom were before me to conceal me.	17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!