Job 23

NEW JERUSALEM	DOUAI-RHEIMS
1 Job spoke next. He said:	1 Then Job answered, and said:
2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.	2 Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.
3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?	3 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?
4 I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.	4 I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.
5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.	5 That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
6 Would he put al his strength into this debate with me? No, he would only have to give his attention tome,	6 I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.
7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.	7 Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.
8 If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I stil cannot see him.	8 But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.
9 If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found, invisible as ever, if I turn to the south.	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.
10 And yet he knows every step I take! Let him test me in the crucible: I shall come out pure gold.	10 But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:
11 My footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;	11 My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.
12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.	12 I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.
13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.	13 For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.
14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.	14 And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.
15 That is why I am ful of fear before him, and the more I think, the greater grows my dread of him.	15 And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.
16 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.	16 God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.
17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!	17 For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.