Jobs 23
1 Da tok Job til orde og sa:
Then Job answered,
2 Ennu idag gjelder min klage for å være gjenstridighet; min hånd hviler dog tungt på mitt sukk.
“Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
3 Bare jeg visste å finne ham og kunde komme frem til hans trone!
Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
4 Jeg skulde legge min sak frem for hans åsyn og fylle min munn med beviser.
I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 Jeg skulde få vite de ord han vilde svare mig, og merke mig hvad han vilde si til mig.
I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.
6 Skulde han da med full kraft stride mot mig? Mon ikke just han skulde akte på mine ord?
Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.
7 Da skulde en rettskaffen mann gå i rette med ham, og jeg skulde slippe fra min dommer for all tid.
There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
8 Men går jeg mot øst, så er han ikke der; går jeg mot vest, så blir jeg ikke var ham;
“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.
9 er han virksom i nord, så ser jeg ham ikke; går han mot syd, så øiner jeg ham ikke.
He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.
10 For han kjenner den vei jeg holder mig til; prøvde han mig, så skulde jeg gå frem av prøven som gullet.
But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
11 Min fot holdt sig i hans spor; jeg fulgte hans vei og bøide ikke av.
My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.
12 Fra hans lebers bud vek jeg ikke; fremfor min egen lov aktet jeg på hans munns ord.
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.
13 Men han er den eneste, og hvem hindrer ham? Hvad hans sjel lyster, det gjør han.
But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.
14 For han fullbyrder det han har fastsatt for mig, og av sådant er det meget hos ham.
For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.
15 Derfor reddes jeg for ham; tenker jeg på det, så bever jeg for ham.
Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 Og Gud har knekket mitt mot, og den Allmektige har forferdet mig,
For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.
17 fordi jeg ikke blev rykket bort før mørket kom, og fordi han ikke skjulte ulykkens natt for mig.
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
