< Job 23

[1] Then Job answered and said,

[2] Even to day is my complaint bitter: 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 order my cause 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] Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

[7] There the righteous might dispute 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, where 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 his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

[12] Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed 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 the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

[15] Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

[16] For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

[17] Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.