[1] Then Job answered:
[2] “I am still complaining today. Why? Because I am still suffering.
[3] I wish I knew where to find God. I wish I knew how to go to God!
[4] I would explain to God my story. My mouth would be full of arguments to show I am innocent.
[5] I want to know how God would answer my arguments. I want to understand God’s answers.
[6] Would God use his power against me? No, he would listen to me!
[7] I am an honest man. God would let me tell my story. Then my Judge would set me free!
[8] “But if I go to the east, God is not there. If I go to the west, I still don’t see God.
[9] When God is working in the north, I don’t see him. When God turns to the south, I still don’t see him.
[10] But God knows me. He is testing me and he will see that I am as pure as gold.
[11] I have always lived the way God wants. I have never stopped following God.
[12] I always obey God’s commands. I love the words from God’s mouth more than I love my food.
[13] “But God never changes. No person can stand against God. God does anything he wants.
[14] God will do what he planned to me. And he has many other plans for me.
[15] That is why I am afraid of God. I understand these things. That is why I am afraid of God.
[16] God makes my heart weak, and I lose my courage. God All-Powerful makes me afraid.
[17] The bad things that happened to me are like a black cloud over my face. But that darkness won’t keep me quiet.