Loading…

13 “My eyes have seen everything God has done.

My ears have heard it and understood it.

2 What you know, I also know.

I’m as clever as you are.

3 In fact, I long to speak to the Mighty One.

I want to argue my case with God.

4 But you spread lies about me and take away my good name.

If you are trying to heal me,

you aren’t very good doctors!

5 I wish you would keep your mouths shut!

Then people would think you were wise.

6 Listen to my case.

Listen as I make my appeal.

7 Will you say evil things in order to help God?

Will you tell lies for him?

8 Do you want to be on God’s side?

Will you argue his case for him?

9 Would it turn out well if he looked you over carefully?

Could you fool him as you fool others?

10 He would certainly correct you

if you took his side in secret.

11 Wouldn’t his glory terrify you?

Wouldn’t the fear of him fall on you?

12 Your sayings are as useless as ashes.

The answers you give are as weak as clay.

13 “So be quiet and let me speak.

Then I won’t care what happens to me.

14 Why do I put myself in danger?

Why do I take my life in my hands?

15 Even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him.

I’ll argue my case in front of him.

16 No matter how things turn out,

I’m sure I’ll still be saved.

After all, no ungodly person

would dare to come into his court.

17 Listen carefully to what I’m saying.

Pay close attention to my words.

18 I’ve prepared my case.

And I know I’ll be proved right.

19 Can others bring charges against me?

If they can, I’ll keep quiet and die.

20 “God, I won’t hide from you.

Here are the only two things I want.

21 Keep your powerful hand far away from me.

And stop making me so afraid.

22 Then send for me, and I’ll answer.

Or let me speak, and you reply.

23 How many things have I done wrong?

How many sins have I committed?

Show me my crime. Show me my sin.

24 Why do you turn your face away from me?

Why do you think of me as your enemy?

25 I’m already like a leaf that is blown by the wind.

Are you going to terrify me even more?

I’m already like dry straw.

Are you going to keep on chasing me?

26 You write down bitter things against me.

You make me suffer for the sins

I committed when I was young.

27 You put my feet in chains.

You watch every step I take.

You do it by putting marks on the bottom of my feet.

28 “People waste away like something that is rotten.

They are like clothes that are eaten by moths.

NIrV

About New International Reader’s Version (1998)

The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) was developed to help early readers understand the Bible. Begun in 1992, the NIrV is a simplification of the New International Version (NIV). The NIrV uses shorter words and sentences so that those with a typical fourth grade reading level can comprehend what they are reading. The chapters have been separated into shorter sections and most have titles that clearly indicate what the section is all about. The NIrV will be a valuable translation to those for whom English is a second language. The NIrV still relies on the best and oldest copies of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts for its translation, guaranteeing that those who read it are getting the actual Word of God.

Copyright

Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society.

All rights reserved.

The NIrV text may be quoted for non-commercial usage in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without the express written permission of the publisher, providing the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses quoted account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted.

Notice of copyright must appear on the title or copyright page of the work as follows:

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER’S VERSION™. Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

When quotations from the NIrV text are used in non-saleable media, such as church bulletins, orders of service, posters, transparencies or similar media, a complete copyright notice is not required, but the initials (NIrV) must appear at the end of each quotation.

Any commentary or other Biblical reference work produced for commercial sale that uses the New International Reader’s Version must obtain written permission for use of the NIrV text.

Permission requests for commercial use within the U.S. and Canada that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530.

Permission requests for commercial use within the U.K., EEC, and EFTA countries that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, Hodder Headline Plc., 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH, England.

Permission requests for non-commercial usage that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, International Bible Society, 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.

Support Info

nirv

Table of Contents