23
1 Then Job answered,
2 “Even
today my complaint
is rebellious.
His hand is
heavy in spite
of 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
tell me.
6 Would
he contend with
me in the greatness
of his power?
No, but he
would listen to me.
7 There
the upright might
reason with him,
so I should be
delivered forever
from my judge.
8 “If
I go east,
he is not
there.
If I go west,
I can’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.
10 But
he knows the
way that I
take.
When he has tried
me, I will
come out like
gold.
11 My
foot has held fast
to his steps.
I have kept
his way, and
not turned away.
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.
13 But
he stands alone,
and who can oppose
him?
What his
soul desires, even
that he does.
14 For
he performs that
which is appointed
for me.
Many such things
are with him.
15 Therefore
I am terrified at
his presence.
When I consider,
I am afraid of
him.
16 For God
has made my heart
faint.
The Almighty
has terrified me.
17 Because
I was not
cut off before
the darkness,
neither did he
cover the thick
darkness from my
face.