Job 23

¹Then Job answered and said, ²Even today 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 order my cause 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 troubled at his presence; when I consider, I am afraid of him. ¹⁶For God hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath troubled me: ¹⁷Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.