Job 23

1Then Job answered and said:

2Even today my complaint is defiant; my hand is heavy over my groaning.

3Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come to his place.

4I would lay out my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would know the words with which he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; surely he would pay attention to me.

7There an upright man could reason with him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.

8Look, I go east, but he is not there; I go west, but I do not perceive him.

9On the left, when he is at work, I cannot lay hold of him; he covers himself on the right, and I cannot see him.

10But he knows my way; when he has tested me, I will 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 turned aside from the command of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion.

13But he is one, and who can turn him back? Whatever he desires, he does.

14For he will complete what is appointed for me, and he has many such things.

15Therefore I am terrified before him; when I think about it, I am afraid of him.

16God has made my heart faint, and the Almighty has terrified me.

17For I was not silenced because of the darkness, nor because deep gloom covered my face.