Chapter 23

  Then Job answered and said,  

  Even to-day is my complaint rebellious: My stroke is heavier than my groaning.  

  Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!  

  I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.  

  I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.  

  Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.  

  There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.  

  Behold, I go forward, but he is not [there]; And backward, but I cannot perceive him;  

  On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.  

  But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  

  My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside.  

  I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  

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

  For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him.  

  Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.  

  For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me;  

  Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.