23
1 Then Job answered:
2 “Even today my complaint is rebellious;
my hand is heavy over my groaning.
3 If only I knew where to find him!
I would come to his dwelling.
4 I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words he would answer me and understand what he would say to me.
6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, he would give heed to me.
7 There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.
8 Look, I go east, and he is not there;
west, and I do not perceive him.
9 When he works in the north, I do not behold him;
he hides in the south, and I do not see him.
10 But he knows the way I take;
when he tests me, I will come forth like gold.
11 My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted food.
13 But he is of one mind;
who can turn him back?
What his soul desires, he does.
14 For he will fulfill what is appointed for me, and many such things are with him.
15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 God has made my heart faint, and the Almighty has terrified me.
17 For I am not cut off because of the darkness, nor has he hidden deep gloom from my face.