Job 23

CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN	NEW JERUSALEM
1 Then Job answered by saying:	1 Job spoke next. He said:
2 Now again my conversation is in bitterness, and the force of my scourging weighs more heavily on me because of my mourning.	2 My lament is stil rebellious; despite my groans, his hand is just as heavy.
3 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and that I may approach even to his throne?	3 Wil no one help me to know how to travel to his dwel ing?
4 I would place judgment before his eye, and my mouth would fill with criticism,	4 I should set out my case to him, advancing any number of grievances.
5 so that I may know the words that he will answer me and understand what he will say to me.	5 Then I could learn his defence, every word of it, taking note of everything he said to me.
6 I do not want him to contend with me with much strength, nor to overwhelm me with the bulk of his greatness.	6 Would he put al his strength into this debate with me? No, he would only have to give his attention tome,
7 Let him show fairness in response to me, and let my judgment reach to victory.	7 to recognise his opponent as upright and so I should win my case for ever.
8 If I go to the east, he does not appear; if I go to the west, I will not understand him.	8 If I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I stil cannot see him.
9 If I turn to the left, what can I do? I will not take hold of him. If I turn myself to the right, I will not 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 Truly, he knows my way and has tested me like gold that passes through fire.	10 And yet he knows every step I take! Let him test me in the crucible: I shall come out pure gold.
11 My feet have been following his footsteps; I have kept to his way and have not strayed from it.	11 My footsteps have fol owed close in his, I have walked in his way without swerving;
12 I have not withdrawn from the commands of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hidden in my sinews.	12 I have not neglected the commandment of his lips, in my heart I have cherished the words of hismouth.
13 For he is alone, and no one is able to disturb his intention; and whatever his spirit wills, that he accomplishes.	13 But once he has made up his mind, who can change it? Whatever he plans, that he carries out.
14 And when he fulfills his will in me, many other similar ones will also be present with him.	14 No doubt, then, but he wil carry out my sentence, like so many other decrees that he has made.
15 And, for this reason, I have been troubled at his presence, and, when I consider him, I am approached by fear.	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 weakened my heart, and the Almighty has confused me.	16 God has undermined my courage, Shaddai has filled me with fear.
17 Yet I have not perished because of the threatening darkness, nor has gloom covered my face.	17 The darkness having failed to destroy me, I am plunged back into obscurity by him!