Job 23
1 Job replied,
Ndipo Ayubu akajibu:
2 “Just the same, my complaints today remain bitter. In spite of my groaning he is still punishing me.
“Hata leo malalamiko yangu ni chungu; mkono wake ni mzito juu yangu hata nikiugua.
3 If only I knew where I could find him so I could go to where he sits in judgment.
Laiti ningefahamu mahali pa kumwona; laiti ningeweza kwenda mahali akaapo!
4 There I would lay out my case before him and present all my arguments in full.
Ningeliweka shauri langu mbele zake, na kukijaza kinywa changu na hoja.
5 I would discover how he would answer me and learn what he has to say to me.
Ningejua kwamba angenijibu nini, na kuelewa lile ambalo angelisema.
6 Would he fight against me using his mighty power? No, he would pay attention to what I have to say.
Je, angenipinga kwa nguvu nyingi? La, asingenigandamiza.
7 There a good person could reason with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
Hapo mtu mwadilifu angeweka shauri lake mbele zake, nami ningeokolewa milele na mhukumu wangu.
8 If I go to the east, he's not there; if I go the west, I don't find him.
“Lakini nikienda mashariki, hayupo; nikienda magharibi, simpati.
9 If he's working in the north, I don't perceive him; if he's moving south, I don't see him.
Anapokuwa kazini pande za kaskazini, simwoni; akigeukia kusini, nako simwoni hata kidogo.
10 Yet he always knows where I'm going. When he has proved me, I will come out shining like gold.
Lakini anaijua njia niiendeayo; akiisha kunijaribu, nitatoka kama dhahabu.
11 I have kept in step with him; I have followed his way without turning aside.
Nyayo zangu zimefuata hatua zake kwa karibu; nimeishika njia yake bila kukengeuka.
12 I have not neglected his commands, for I value what he has told me to do more than the food I eat every day.
Sijaziacha amri zilizotoka midomoni mwake; nimeyathamini maneno ya kinywa chake kuliko chakula changu cha kila siku.
13 But God is unchangeable—who can turn him from his purposes? He does whatever he wants to do.
“Lakini yeye husimama peke yake; ni nani awezaye kumpinga? Yeye hufanya lolote atakalo.
14 So he will finish whatever he has planned for me—and he has many plans for me.
Hutimiliza maagizo yake dhidi yangu, na bado anayo mipango mingi kama hiyo ambayo ameiweka akiba.
15 That's why I'm terrified at meeting him; when I think of him I tremble with fear.
Hiyo ndiyo sababu ninaingiwa na hofu mbele zake; nifikiriapo haya yote ninamwogopa.
16 God has made me faint-hearted; the Almighty has scared me to death.
Mungu ameufanya moyo wangu kuzimia; yeye Mwenyezi amenitia hofu.
17 Yet I'm still here despite the dark—even though I can't see through the utter darkness.
Hata hivyo sijanyamazishwa na giza, wala kwa giza nene linalofunika uso wangu.
