[1] Then Job spoke again:
[2] “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud.
[3] If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his court.
[4] I would lay out my case and present my arguments.
[5] Then I would listen to his reply and understand what he says to me.
[6] Would he use his great power to argue with me? No, he would give me a fair hearing.
[7] Honest people can reason with him, so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.
[8] I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him.
[9] I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed.
[10] “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.
[11] For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
[12] I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.
[13] But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does.
[14] So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.
[15] No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me.
[16] God has made me sick at heart; the Almighty has terrified me.
[17] Darkness is all around me; thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.