"If I had died, I would be lying down by now, undisturbed, asleep, and at rest,

along with kings and counselors of the earth, who used to build for themselves what are now only ruins,

"But now it's your turn, and you're the one who is worn out! Now it's striking you, and you're dismayed!

Now please think: Who has ever perished when they're innocent? Where have the upright been destroyed?

"Now as for me, I would seek God if I were you; I would commit my case to God.

"And now you're all just like them, aren't you? You see my terror and are terrified.

Now be willing to face me, and I won't lie to your face.

Why haven't you pardoned my transgression and taken away my iniquity? Now I'm about to lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I won't be around!"

"Now for you, if you will prepare your heart, spread out your hands to him.

"Now listen to my dispute! Pay attention to my arguments.

"Look, now! I've prepared my case for court. I know that I'm going to win.

Even now, behold! I have a witness in heaven, my Advocate is on high.

Now as for the one who testifies against his friends to take their property, even the eyes of his children will fail.

"Come here now, all of you, and I won't find a wise person among you.

He is breaking me down on every side, and now it's too late for me; he has uprooted my hopes like a tree.

"But now they mock me; men who are far younger than I, whose fathers I would have hated to entrust with my own sheep dogs.

"Now, I've become the object of their mocking melodies; I'm nothing but a fool's proverb to them!

"Now, my soul pours itself out; the time of my affliction has taken control of me.

You changed toward me, and now you're cruel to me; with your mighty hand you are persecuting me;

"Now please listen to what I have to say, Job. Listen to every word!

Now this is Job's claim: "Even though I'm innocent, God has stopped treating me righteously.

"So now, if he doesn't inflict punishment in his anger, then he doesn't keep track of your many transgressions.

But now you are occupied with the case of the wicked; but justice and judgment will be served.

"Now I'll conclude with this: my heart is trembling violently; it feels like it's about to leap from my body!

Now take a look at the strength that he has in his loins, and in the muscles of his abdomen.

You asked, "Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?' Well now, I have talked about what I don't understand awesome things beyond me that I don't know.

Listen now, and I will speak for myself; I'll interrogate you and then inform me.

I've heard you with my ears; and now I've seen you with my eyes.