Job 23

1Then Job answered and said,

2Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.footnote a

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.

6Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

7There the righteous might dispute 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, where 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.footnote b

11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.footnote cfootnote d

13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14For he performeth the thing that 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 maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.

Job Longs for God

1Then Job answered:

2“Even today my complaint is bitter.His hand is heavy despite my groaning. 3If only I knew where to find Him,so that I could go to His seat. 4I would plead my case before Himand fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would learn how He would answer,and consider what He would say. 6Would He contend with me in His great power?No, He would certainly take note of me. 7Then an upright man could reason with Him,and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

8If I go east, He is not there,and if I go west, I cannot find Him. 9When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him;when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. 10Yet He knows the way I have taken;when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11My feet have followed in His tracks;I have kept His way without turning aside. 12I have not departed from the command of His lips;I have treasured the words of His mouthmore than my daily bread.

13But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him?He does what He desires. 14For He carries out His decree against me,and He has many such plans. 15Therefore I am terrified in His presence;when I consider this, I fear Him. 16God has made my heart faint;the Almighty has terrified me. 17Yet I am not silenced by the darkness,by the thick darkness that covers my face.