Job 23

¹ Then Job answered and said,

² Even to-day 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 set my cause in order 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 terrified at his presence ; When I consider, I am afraid of him.

¹⁶ For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me ;

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