Job 23

1 Then Job answered,

Then Job answered, and said:

2 “Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.

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

Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?

4 I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

That I might know the words that 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, but he would listen to me.

I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.

7 There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.

8 “If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I cannot find him.

But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.

9 He works to the north, but I cannot see him. He turns south, but I cannot catch a glimpse of him.

If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him.

10 But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.

But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:

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

My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

12 I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.

13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.

14 For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.

15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.

16 For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.

17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.

For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.