Job 23

1 Then Job answered,

Job replied,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

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

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

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

8 “If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.

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

9 He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of 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 knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.

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

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

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

12 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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