Job 23

¹ Again Job answered and said:

² Though I know my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings.

³ Oh, that today I might find him, that I might come to his judgment seat!

⁴ I would set out my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;

⁵ I would learn the words with which he would answer, and understand what he would reply to me.

⁶ Even should he contend against me with his great power, yet, would that he himself might heed me!

⁷ There the upright man might reason with him, and I should once and for all preserve my rights.

⁸ But if I go to the east, he is not there; or to the west, I cannot perceive him;

⁹ Where the north enfolds him, I behold him not; by the south he is veiled, and I see him not.

¹⁰ Yet he knows my way; if he proved me, I should come forth as gold.

¹¹ My foot has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside.

¹² From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.

¹³ But he had decided, and who can say him nay? What he desires, that he does.

¹⁴ For he will carry out what is appointed for me; and many such things may yet be in his mind.

¹⁵ Therefore am I dismayed before him; when I take thought, I fear him.

¹⁶ Indeed God has made my courage fail; the Almighty has put me in dismay.

¹⁷ Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, and that thick gloom were before me to conceal me.