Ayubu 23
1 Ndipo Ayubu akajibu:
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Hata leo malalamiko yangu ni chungu; mkono wake ni mzito juu yangu hata nikiugua.
Even to-day is my complaint bitter; my hand is become heavy because of my groaning.
3 Laiti ningefahamu mahali pa kumwona; laiti ningeweza kwenda mahali akaapo!
Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat!
4 Ningeliweka shauri langu mbele zake, na kukijaza kinywa changu na hoja.
I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 Ningejua kwamba angenijibu nini, na kuelewa lile ambalo angelisema.
I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me.
6 Je, angenipinga kwa nguvu nyingi? La, asingenigandamiza.
Would He contend with me in His great power? Nay; but He would give heed unto me.
7 Hapo mtu mwadilifu angeweka shauri lake mbele zake, nami ningeokolewa milele na mhukumu wangu.
There the upright might reason with Him; so should I be delivered for ever from my Judge.
8 “Lakini nikienda mashariki, hayupo; nikienda magharibi, simpati.
Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 Anapokuwa kazini pande za kaskazini, simwoni; akigeukia kusini, nako simwoni hata kidogo.
On the left hand, when He doth work, but I cannot behold Him, He turneth Himself to the right hand, but I cannot see Him.
10 Lakini anaijua njia niiendeayo; akiisha kunijaribu, nitatoka kama dhahabu.
For He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 Nyayo zangu zimefuata hatua zake kwa karibu; nimeishika njia yake bila kukengeuka.
My foot hath held fast to His steps, His way have I kept, and turned not aside.
12 Sijaziacha amri zilizotoka midomoni mwake; nimeyathamini maneno ya kinywa chake kuliko chakula changu cha kila siku.
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 “Lakini yeye husimama peke yake; ni nani awezaye kumpinga? Yeye hufanya lolote atakalo.
But He is at one with Himself, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desireth, even that He doeth.
14 Hutimiliza maagizo yake dhidi yangu, na bado anayo mipango mingi kama hiyo ambayo ameiweka akiba.
For He will perform that which is appointed for me; and many such things are with Him.
15 Hiyo ndiyo sababu ninaingiwa na hofu mbele zake; nifikiriapo haya yote ninamwogopa.
Therefore am I affrighted at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him.
16 Mungu ameufanya moyo wangu kuzimia; yeye Mwenyezi amenitia hofu.
Yea, God hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath affrighted me;
17 Hata hivyo sijanyamazishwa na giza, wala kwa giza nene linalofunika uso wangu.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did He cover the thick darkness from my face.
