约伯记 23

1 约伯回答说：

Then Job answered, and said:

2 如今我的哀告还算为悖逆； 我的责罚比我的唉哼还重。

Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.

3 惟愿我能知道在哪里可以寻见 神， 能到他的台前，

Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?

4 我就在他面前将我的案件陈明， 满口辩白。

I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.

5 我必知道他回答我的言语， 明白他向我所说的话。

That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

6 他岂用大能与我争辩吗？ 必不这样！他必理会我。

I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.

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。

Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.

8 只是，我往前行，他不在那里， 往后退，也不能见他。

But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand 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。

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 然而他知道我所行的路； 他试炼我之后，我必如精金。

But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:

11 我脚追随他的步履； 我谨守他的道，并不偏离。

My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

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 departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.

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。

For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.

14 他向我所定的，就必做成； 这类的事他还有许多。

And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.

15 所以我在他面前惊惶； 我思念这事便惧怕他。

And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.

16 神使我丧胆； 全能者使我惊惶。

God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.

17 我的恐惧不是因为黑暗， 也不是因为幽暗蒙蔽我的脸。

For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.