English / ERV
Job 23
Easy-to-Read Version, 2006
- 1Then Job answered:
- 2“I am still complaining today. I groan because God is still making me suffer.
- 3I wish I knew where to find him. I wish I knew how to go to where he lives.
- 4I would present my case to him. I would make my arguments to show that I am innocent.
- 5He could give his response, and I would understand. I would listen closely to what he says.
- 6Would God use his power against me? No, he would listen to me!
- 7Since I am an honest man, he would let me tell my story. Then my Judge would set me free!
- 8“If I go to the east, God is not there. If I go to the west, I still don’t see him.
- 9When he is working in the north, I don’t see him. When he turns to the south, I still don’t see him.
- 10But God knows me. He is testing me and will see that I am as pure as gold.
- 11I have always lived the way God wants. I have never stopped following him.
- 12I always obey his commands. I love the words from his mouth more than I love my food.
- 13“But God never changes, and who can stand against him? He does anything he wants.
- 14He will do to me what he planned, and he has many other plans for me.
- 15That is why I am terrified to stand before him. Just thinking about it makes me afraid.
- The fear of God has made me lose my courage. God All-Powerful makes me afraid.