Job 27

1Job continued his discourse:

2“As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice—the Almighty, who has embittered my soul—

3as long as my breath is still within me and the breath of God remains in my nostrils,

4my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.

5I will never say that you are right; I will maintain my integrity until I die.

6I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.

7May my enemy be like the wicked and my opponent like the unjust.

8For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

9Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him?

10Will he delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?

11I will instruct you in the power of God. I will not conceal the ways of the Almighty.

12Surely all of you have seen it for yourselves. Why then do you keep up this empty talk?

13This is the wicked man’s portion from God—the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty.

14Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food.

15His survivors will be buried by the plague, and their widows will not weep for them.

16Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,

17what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.

18The house he built is like a moth’s cocoon, like a hut set up by a watchman.

19He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone.

20Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night.

21The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.

22It hurls itself against him without mercy as he flees headlong from its power.

23It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place.

1Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

3Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

5For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

6Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

8My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

9Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

11Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

12Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

13Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!