Job 23

¹ Then Job answered and said,

² Even today is my complaint rebellious: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

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

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

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

⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

⁷ There the upright might reason with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

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

⁹ On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.

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

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

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.

¹³ But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

¹⁴ For he performeth that which is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

¹⁵ Therefore am I troubled at his presence; when I consider, I am afraid of him.

¹⁶ For God hath made my heart faint, 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.