Job 23

DOUAI-RHEIMS	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 Then Job answered, and said:	1 Then Job answered by saying:
2 Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.	2 Now again my conversation is in bitterness, and the force of my scourging weighs more heavily on me because of my mourning.
3 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?	3 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and that I may approach even to his throne?
4 I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.	4 I would place judgment before his eye, and my mouth would fill with criticism,
5 That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.	5 so that I may know the words that he will answer me and understand what he will say to me.
6 I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.	6 I do not want him to contend with me with much strength, nor to overwhelm me with the bulk of his greatness.
7 Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.	7 Let him show fairness in response to me, and let my judgment reach to victory.
8 But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.	8 If I go to the east, he does not appear; if I go to the west, I will not understand him.
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.	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.
10 But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:	10 Truly, he knows my way and has tested me like gold that passes through fire.
11 My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.	11 My feet have been following his footsteps; I have kept to his way and have not strayed from it.
12 I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.	12 I have not withdrawn from the commands of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hidden in my sinews.
13 For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.	13 For he is alone, and no one is able to disturb his intention; and whatever his spirit wills, that he accomplishes.
14 And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.	14 And when he fulfills his will in me, many other similar ones will also be present with him.
15 And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.	15 And, for this reason, I have been troubled at his presence, and, when I consider him, I am approached by fear.
16 God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.	16 God has weakened my heart, and the Almighty has confused me.
17 For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.	17 Yet I have not perished because of the threatening darkness, nor has gloom covered my face.