Job 23

NEW JERUSALEM	NEW JERUSALEM
1 Job spoke next. He said:	1 Job spoke next. He said:
2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.	2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.
3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?	3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?
4 I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.	4 I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.
5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.	5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said 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 Would he put al his strength into this debate with me? No, he would only have to give his attention tome,
7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.	7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.
8 If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I stil cannot see him.	8 If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I stil 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.	9 If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found, invisible as ever, if I turn to the south.
10 And yet he knows every step I take! Let him test me in the crucible: I shall come out pure 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 footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;	11 My footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;
12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.	12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.
13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.	13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.
14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.	14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.
15 That is why I am ful of fear before him, and the more I think, the greater grows my dread 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 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.	16 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.
17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!	17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!