Job 23:1–12

Then Job answered, and said:

2 Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.

3 Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?

4 I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.

5 That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

6 I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.

7 Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.

8 But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.

9 If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him.

10 But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:

11 My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

12 I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.