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14 How then can (A)I [a]answer Him,
And choose my words [b]before Him?
15 For (B)though I were right, I could not [c]answer;
I would have to (C)plead for the grace of my judge.
16 If I called and He answered me,
I could not believe that He was giving ear to my voice.
17 For He (D)bruises me with a tempest
And multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 He will (E)not allow me to get my breath,
But saturates me with (F)bitterness.
19 If it is a matter of power, (G)behold, He is the mighty one!
And if it is a matter of justice, who can make [d]Him testify?
20 (H)Though I am righteous, my mouth will (I)condemn me;
Though I am blameless, He will declare me perverse.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 9:14 Or plead my case before
  2. Job 9:14 Lit with
  3. Job 9:15 Or plead my case
  4. Job 9:19 As in Gr; Heb me

14 Yet I myself will answer him;
    I’ll choose my words in a contest[a] with him.
15 Even if I’m innocent, I can’t answer;
    I must plead for justice.
16 If I were to call and he answered me,
    I couldn’t believe that he heard my voice.
17 Who bruises me with a tempest
    and multiplies my wounds for no reason?
18 He doesn’t let me catch my breath,
    for he fills me with bitterness.
19 If the issue is strength—behold power!
    If justice—who calls God to meet me?

There is no justice

20 If I’m innocent, my mouth condemns me;
    I have integrity; but God declares me perverse.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 9:14 Heb lacks in a contest.