約伯記 23

1 約伯回答說：

Then Job answered,

2 如今我的哀告還算為悖逆； 我的責罰比我的唉哼還重。

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

3 惟願我能知道在哪裏可以尋見上帝， 能到他的臺前，

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

4 我就在他面前將我的案件陳明， 滿口辯白。

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語， 明白他向我所說的話。

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

6 他豈用大能與我爭辯嗎？ 必不這樣！他必理會我。

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

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。

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

8 只是，我往前行，他不在那裏， 往後退，也不能見他。

"If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find 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。

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

10 然而他知道我所行的路； 他試煉我之後，我必如精金。

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

11 我腳追隨他的步履； 我謹守他的道，並不偏離。

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

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 haven't 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，誰能使他轉意呢？ 他心裏所願的，就行出來。

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； 這類的事他還有許多。

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

15 所以我在他面前驚惶； 我思念這事便懼怕他。

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

16 上帝使我喪膽； 全能者使我驚惶。

For God has made my heart faint. Shaddai has terrified me.

17 我的恐懼不是因為黑暗， 也不是因為幽暗蒙蔽我的臉。

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