Immerse: Poets Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 321
31:15-33
Job
For God created both me and my servants.
He created us both in the womb.
“Have I refused to help the poor,
or crushed the hopes of widows?
Have I been stingy with my food
and refused to share it with orphans?
No, from childhood I have cared for orphans like a father,
and all my life I have cared for widows.
Whenever I saw the homeless without clothes
and the needy with nothing to wear,
did they not praise me
for providing wool clothing to keep them warm?
“If I raised my hand against an orphan,
knowing the judges would take my side,
then let my shoulder be wrenched out of place!
Let my arm be torn from its socket!
That would be better than facing God’s judgment.
For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there?
“Have I put my trust in money
or felt secure because of my gold?
Have I gloated about my wealth
and all that I own?
“Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies,
or the moon walking down its silver pathway,
and been secretly enticed in my heart
to throw kisses at them in worship?
If so, I should be punished by the judges,
for it would mean I had denied the God of heaven.
“Have I ever rejoiced when disaster struck my enemies,
or become excited when harm came their way?
No, I have never sinned by cursing anyone
or by asking for revenge.
“My servants have never said,
‘He let others go hungry.’
I have never turned away a stranger
but have opened my doors to everyone.
“Have I tried to hide my sins like other people do,
concealing my guilt in my heart?
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