Job 23:1–12

Job Replies: Where Is God?

23 Then Job answered and said:

2  “Today also my rcomplaint is bitter;1

my shand is heavy on account of my groaning.

3  Oh, tthat I knew where I might find him,

that I might come even to his useat!

4  I would vlay my case before him

and fill my mouth with arguments.

5  I would know what he would answer me

and understand what he would say to me.

6  Would he wcontend with me in the greatness of his power?

No; he would pay attention to me.

7  There an upright man could argue with him,

and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

8  “Behold, xI go forward, but he is not there,

and backward, but I do not perceive him;

9  on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;

he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.

10  But he yknows zthe way that I atake;

when he has btried me, I shall come out as gold.

11  My foot chas held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have dnot turned aside.

12  I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;

I have etreasured the words of his mouth more than my fportion of food.