Job 23

¹ Then Job answered:

² "Today also my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

³ Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!

⁴ I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

⁵ I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would give heed to me.

⁷ There an upright man could reason with him, and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

⁸ "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him;

⁹ on the left hand I seek him, but I cannot behold him; I turn to the right hand, but I cannot see him.

¹⁰ But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

¹¹ My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

¹² I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.

¹³ But he is unchangeable and who can turn him? What he desires, that he does.

¹⁴ For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind.

¹⁵ Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him.

¹⁶ God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me;

¹⁷ for I am hemmed in by darkness, and thick darkness covers my face.