Job 23

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.