New International Reader's Version

Job 31:11-26 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

11. Wanting another woman would have been a shameful thing. It would have been a sin that should be judged.

12. It's like a fire that burns down to the grave. It would have caused my crops to be pulled up by the roots.

13. "Suppose I haven't treated my male and female servants fairly when they've brought charges against me.

14. Then what will I do when God opposes me? What answer will I give him when he asks me to explain myself?

15. Didn't he who made me make my servants also? Didn't the same God form us inside our mothers?

16. "I haven't said no to what poor people have wanted. I haven't let widows lose their hope.

17. I haven't kept my bread to myself. I've shared it with children whose fathers had died.

18. From the time I was young, I've helped those widows. I've raised those children as a father would.

19. Suppose I've seen people dying because they didn't have any clothes. I've seen needy people who had nothing to wear.

20. And they didn't give me their blessing when I warmed them with wool from my sheep.

21. Suppose I've raised my hand against children whose fathers have died. And I did it because I knew I had power in the courts.

22. Then let my arm fall from my shoulder. Let it be broken off at the joint.

23. I was afraid God would destroy me. His glory terrifies me. So I'd never do things like that.

24. "Suppose I've put my trust in gold. I've said to pure gold, 'You make me feel secure.'

25. And I'm happy because I'm so wealthy. I'm glad because my hands have earned so much.

26. Suppose I've worshiped the sun in all of its glory. I've bowed down to the moon in all of its beauty.