約伯記 23
1 約伯回答說：
Then Job answered by saying:
2 如今我的哀告還算為悖逆； 我的責罰比我的唉哼還重。
Now again my conversation is in bitterness, and the force of my scourging weighs more heavily on me because of my mourning.
3 惟願我能知道在哪裏可以尋見上帝， 能到他的臺前，
Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and that I may approach even to his throne?
4 我就在他面前將我的案件陳明， 滿口辯白。
I would place judgment before his eye, and my mouth would fill with criticism,
5 我必知道他回答我的言語， 明白他向我所說的話。
so that I may know the words that he will answer me and understand what he will say to me.
6 他豈用大能與我爭辯嗎？ 必不這樣！他必理會我。
I do not want him to contend with me with much strength, nor to overwhelm me with the bulk of his greatness.
7 在他那裏正直人可以與他辯論； 這樣，我必永遠脫離那審判我的。
Let him show fairness in response to me, and let my judgment reach to victory.
8 只是，我往前行，他不在那裏， 往後退，也不能見他。
If I go to the east, he does not appear; if I go to the west, I will not understand him.
9 他在左邊行事，我卻不能看見， 在右邊隱藏，我也不能見他。
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 然而他知道我所行的路； 他試煉我之後，我必如精金。
Truly, he knows my way and has tested me like gold that passes through fire.
11 我腳追隨他的步履； 我謹守他的道，並不偏離。
My feet have been following his footsteps; I have kept to his way and have not strayed from it.
12 他嘴唇的命令，我未曾背棄； 我看重他口中的言語，過於我需用的飲食。
I have not withdrawn from the commands of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hidden in my sinews.
13 只是他心志已定，誰能使他轉意呢？ 他心裏所願的，就行出來。
For he is alone, and no one is able to disturb his intention; and whatever his spirit wills, that he accomplishes.
14 他向我所定的，就必做成； 這類的事他還有許多。
And when he fulfills his will in me, many other similar ones will also be present with him.
15 所以我在他面前驚惶； 我思念這事便懼怕他。
And, for this reason, I have been troubled at his presence, and, when I consider him, I am approached by fear.
16 上帝使我喪膽； 全能者使我驚惶。
God has weakened my heart, and the Almighty has confused me.
17 我的恐懼不是因為黑暗， 也不是因為幽暗蒙蔽我的臉。
Yet I have not perished because of the threatening darkness, nor has gloom covered my face.
