Job 9:15-24 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

15. Even if I hadn't done anything wrong, I couldn't answer him. I could only beg my Judge to have mercy on me.

16. Suppose I called out to him and he answered. I don't believe he'd listen to me.

17. He would send a storm to crush me. He'd increase my wounds without any reason.

18. He wouldn't let me catch my breath. He'd make my life very bitter.

19. If it's a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it's a matter of being fair, who would dare to bring charges against him?

20. Even if I hadn't sinned, what I said would prove me guilty. Even if I were honest, my words would show that I'm wrong.

21. "Even though I'm honest, I'm not concerned about myself. I hate my own life.

22. It all amounts to the same thing. That's why I say, 'God destroys honest people and sinful people alike.'

23. Suppose a plague brings sudden death. Then he laughs when those who haven't sinned lose hope.

24. Suppose a nation falls into the power of sinful people. Then God makes its judges blind to the truth. If he isn't the one doing it, who is?

Job 9