Job 31:21–23

21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless,

knowing that I had influence in court,

22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder,

let it be broken off at the joint.

23 For I dreaded destruction from God,

and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.

21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,

When I saw my help in the gate:

22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade,

And mine arm be broken from the bone.

23 For destruction from God was a terror to me,

And by reason of his highness I could not endure.

21 “If I raised my hand against an orphan,

knowing the judges would take my side,

22 then let my shoulder be wrenched out of place!

Let my arm be torn from its socket!

23 That would be better than facing God’s judgment.

For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there?

21 If I have raised my hand against the fatherless,

When I saw I had help in the gate;

22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,

Let my arm be torn from the socket.

23 For destruction from God is a terror to me,

And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

21 I have never hurt an orphan

even when I knew I could win in court.

22 If I have, then let my arm fall off my shoulder

and be broken at the joint.

23 I fear destruction from God,

and I fear his majesty, so I could not do such things.

21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,

Because I saw my help in the gate:

22 Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade,

And mine arm be broken from the bone.

23 For calamity from God is a terror to me,

And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing.

21 If I have lifted up my hand against an orphan, because I saw my help in the gate: 22 Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone! 23 For calamity from •God was a terror to me, and by reason of his excellency I was powerless.

21 If I have shaken my fist at an orphan 

because I knew that others would back me up in court, 

22 ⸤then⸥ let my shoulder fall out of its socket, 

and let my arm be broken at the elbow. 

23 “A disaster from God terrifies me. 

In the presence of his majesty I can do nothing. 

21 if I ever cast my vote against a fatherless child

when I saw that I had support in the city gate,

22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my back,

and my arm be pulled from its socket.

23 For disaster from God terrifies me,

and because of His majesty I could not do these things.

21 if I have raised my hand against the orphan

because I saw I had supporters at the gate;

22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder,

and let my arm be broken from its socket.

23 For I was in terror of calamity from God,

and I could not have faced his majesty.

21 if I have raised my hand against an orphan

because I saw my supporters at the gate,

22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder,

and let my arm be broken from its socket.

23 Indeed, the disaster from God was a dread for me,

and I was powerless because of his majesty.

21 Suppose I’ve raised my hand

against children whose fathers have died.

And I did it because I knew

I had power in the courts.

22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder.

Let it be broken off at the joint.

23 I was afraid God would destroy me.

His glory terrifies me.

So I’d never do things like that.

21 If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan,

Because I saw I had support in the gate,

22 Let my shoulder fall from the socket,

And my arm be broken off at the elbow.

23 “For calamity from God is a terror to me,

And because of His majesty I can do nothing.