Job 23

¹Then Job answered and said, ²Even to-day is my complaint rebellious: My stroke is heavier than my groaning. ³Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! ⁴I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments. ⁵I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me. ⁶Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me. ⁷There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

⁸Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him; ⁹On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. ¹⁰But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. ¹¹My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside. ¹²I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

¹³But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. ¹⁴For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him. ¹⁵Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him. ¹⁶For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me; ¹⁷Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.