Job 23:1–12

1  And Job answered and said, 2  Even to-day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. 3  Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come to his seat! 4  I would order the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments; 5  I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. 6  Would he plead against me with his great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me. 7  There would an upright man reason with him; and I should be delivered for ever from my judge.

8  Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9  On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold him not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see him not. 10  But he knoweth the way that I take; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold. 11  My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside. 12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart.