God's New Revelations

The Book of Job

Douay-Rheims :: World English Bible Catholic

- Chapter 23 -

Job proclaims the righteous judgments of God

1
Then Job answered, and said:
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Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.
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Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?
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I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.
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That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
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I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.
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Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.
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But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.
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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.
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But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:
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My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.
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I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.
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For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.
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And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.
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And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.
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God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.
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For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.

Job proclaims the righteous judgments of God

1
Then Job answered,
2
Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
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I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5
I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.
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Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.
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There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
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If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.
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He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.
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But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
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My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.
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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.
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But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.
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For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.
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Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
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For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.
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Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.