Get the free app for more features and content.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

1Then Job answered:

2“Today also my complaint is bitter;

his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

3Oh, that I knew where I might find him,

that I might come even to his dwelling!

4I would lay my case before him,

and fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would learn what he would answer me,

and understand what he would say to me.

6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

No; but he would give heed to me.

7There an upright person could reason with him,

and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.

8“If I go forward, he is not there;

or backward, I cannot perceive him;

9on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;

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

10But he knows the way that I take;

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

11My foot has held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;

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

13But he stands alone and who can dissuade him?

What he desires, that he does.

14For he will complete what he appoints for me;

and many such things are in his mind.

15Therefore I am terrified at his presence;

when I consider, I am in dread of him.

16God has made my heart faint;

the Almighty has terrified me;

17If only I could vanish in darkness,

and thick darkness would cover my face!

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Click here to learn more.

Featured Resources

The Book of Job's Wisdom on How God Runs the World

The Book of Job's Wisdom on How God Runs the World

How do you trust God even when life isn’t fair and you suffer for no good rea...

BibleProject

Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Dr. Todd Johnson introduces Job by asking the questions of how we speak about...

Fuller Studio

The Lord Gives and Takes Away: Job 19:11–42:12

The Lord Gives and Takes Away: Job 19:11–42:12

Subscribe by email or podcast: https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/the-lord-giv...

Desiring God

Job: The Bible Explained

Job: The Bible Explained

Watch our Introduction video on the book of Job, which outlines the book's ma...

Spoken Gospel

Book of Job Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Book of Job Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Watch our overview video on the book of Job, which breaks down the literary d...

BibleProject

Was Job a Man or a Myth?

Was Job a Man or a Myth?

Episode 1353. Read or subscribe: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/was-...

Desiring God

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Over...

Watch our overview video on the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible...

BibleProject

Explore Job 23