New International Version

Job 9:13-29 New International Version (NIV)

13. God does not restrain his anger; even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.

14. “How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him?

15. Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.

16. Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing.

17. He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.

18. He would not let me catch my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.

19. If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him ?

20. Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.

21. “Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life.

22. It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’

23. When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.

24. When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges. If it is not he, then who is it?

25. “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.

26. They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.

27. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’

28. I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent.

29. Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?