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Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

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Then Job answered:

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“Today also my complaint is bitter;

his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

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Oh, that I knew where I might find him,

that I might come even to his dwelling!

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I would lay my case before him,

and fill my mouth with arguments.

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I would learn what he would answer me,

and understand what he would say to me.

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Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

No; but he would give heed to me.

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There an upright person could reason with him,

and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.

 

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“If I go forward, he is not there;

or backward, I cannot perceive him;

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on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;

I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.

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But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.

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My foot has held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

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I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;

I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.

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But he stands alone and who can dissuade him?

What he desires, that he does.

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For he will complete what he appoints for me;

and many such things are in his mind.

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Therefore I am terrified at his presence;

when I consider, I am in dread of him.

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God has made my heart faint;

the Almighty has terrified me;

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If only I could vanish in darkness,

and thick darkness would cover my face!