Job 23

1 Then Job answered, and said:

Then Job answered,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell 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 contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

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

There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from 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 east, he is not there; if west, I can'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.

He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.

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

But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

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

My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned 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 haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For God has made my heart faint. Shaddai has terrified me.

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

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