Job 9:1-21 ▼

1 Then Job answered and said:

2 Of a truth I know that it is so; And how can man be just with God?

3 If one should desire to contend with Him, He could not answer Him one of a thousand.

4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength; Who hath hardened himself against Him, and prospered?

5 Who removeth the mountains, and they know it not, When He overturneth them in His anger.

6 Who shaketh the earth out of her place, And the pillars thereof tremble.

7 Who commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; And sealeth up the stars.

8 Who alone stretcheth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

9 Who maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south.

10 Who doeth great things past finding out; Yea, marvellous things without number.

11 Lo, He goeth by me, and I see Him not. He passeth on also, but I perceive Him not.

12 Behold, He snatcheth away, who can hinder Him? Who will say unto Him: 'What doest Thou?'

13 God will not withdraw His anger; The helpers of Rahab did stoop under Him.

14 How much less shall I answer Him, And choose out my arguments with Him?

15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to Him that contendeth with me.

16 If I had called, and He had answered me; Yet would I not believe that He would hearken unto my voice--

17 He that would break me with a tempest, And multiply my wounds without cause;

18 That would not suffer me to take my breath, But fill me with bitterness.

19 If it be a matter of strength, lo, He is mighty! And if of justice, who will appoint me a time?

20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me; Though I be innocent, He shall prove me perverse.

21 I am innocent--I regard not myself, I despise my life.