Job 23

1 Then Job answered, and said:

Job replied,

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

“Just the same, my complaints today remain bitter. In spite of my groaning he is still punishing me.

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

If only I knew where I could find him so I could go to where he sits in judgment.

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

There I would lay out my case before him and present all my arguments in full.

5 That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

I would discover how he would answer me and learn what he has to say to me.

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

Would he fight against me using his mighty power? No, he would pay attention to what I have to say.

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

There a good person could reason with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

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

If I go to the east, he's not there; if I go the west, I don't find him.

9 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.

If he's working in the north, I don't perceive him; if he's moving south, I don't see him.

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

Yet he always knows where I'm going. When he has proved me, I will come out shining like gold.

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

I have kept in step with him; I have followed his way without turning aside.

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

I have not neglected his commands, for I value what he has told me to do more than the food I eat every day.

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

But God is unchangeable—who can turn him from his purposes? He does whatever he wants to do.

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

So he will finish whatever he has planned for me—and he has many plans for me.

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

That's why I'm terrified at meeting him; when I think of him I tremble with fear.

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

God has made me faint-hearted; the Almighty has scared me to death.

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

Yet I'm still here despite the dark—even though I can't see through the utter darkness.