约伯记 23

1 约伯回答说：

Then Job answered,

2 如今我的哀告还算为悖逆； 我的责罚比我的唉哼还重。

“Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

3 惟愿我能知道在哪里可以寻见 神， 能到他的台前，

Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

4 我就在他面前将我的案件陈明， 满口辩白。

I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 我必知道他回答我的言语， 明白他向我所说的话。

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

6 他岂用大能与我争辩吗？ 必不这样！他必理会我。

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

7 在他那里正直人可以与他辩论； 这样，我必永远脱离那审判我的。

There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

8 只是，我往前行，他不在那里， 往后退，也不能见他。

“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I cannot find him.

9 他在左边行事，我却不能看见， 在右边隐藏，我也不能见他。

He works to the north, but I cannot see him. He turns south, but I cannot catch a glimpse of him.

10 然而他知道我所行的路； 他试炼我之后，我必如精金。

But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.

11 我脚追随他的步履； 我谨守他的道，并不偏离。

My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.

12 他嘴唇的命令，我未曾背弃； 我看重他口中的言语，过于我需用的饮食。

I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

13 只是他心志已定，谁能使他转意呢？ 他心里所愿的，就行出来。

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

14 他向我所定的，就必做成； 这类的事他还有许多。

For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

15 所以我在他面前惊惶； 我思念这事便惧怕他。

Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

16 神使我丧胆； 全能者使我惊惶。

For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

17 我的恐惧不是因为黑暗， 也不是因为幽暗蒙蔽我的脸。

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.