Book of Job Questioning and Doubting God Quotes Page 1

Page (1 of 2) Quotes: 1 2

How we cite the quotes:
(Chapter:Verse)

Quote #1

'But now, be pleased to look at me;
for I will not lie to your face.
Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done.
Turn now, my vindication is at stake.
Is there any wrong on my tongue?
Cannot my taste discern calamity?' (NRSV 6:28-30)

Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.
Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things? (KJV 6:28-30)

This entire book pretty much turns into Job's attempt to prove his innocence. Do his friends believe him? How do Job and his friends see things differently?

Quote #2

'If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of humanity?
Why have you made me your target?
Why have I become a burden to you?' (NRSV 7:20)

I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? (KJV 7:20)

Here Job goes, questioning God. Literally. This relationship looks a lot like one between a parent and a child, don't you think? Sure, it's the kid's fault when he misbehaves, but it reflects pretty badly on the parents, too.

Quote #3

'When disaster brings sudden death,
he mocks at the calamity of the innocent.' (NRSV 9:23)

If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent. (KJV 9:23)

God doesn't seem like such a nice guy here. In fact, he seems kind of mean. Is this what Job is objecting to?

P.S. Gotta love the KJV. "Scourge" and "slay" for the win.

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