Job 23

Job’s Reply

23Job replied,

²“Even today my problems are more than I can handle.

In spite of my groans, God’s hand is heavy on me.

³I wish I knew where I could find him!

I wish I could go to the place where he lives!

⁴I would state my case to him.

I’d give him all of my arguments.

⁵I’d find out what his answers would be.

I’d think about what he would say.

⁶Would he oppose me with his great power?

No. He wouldn’t bring charges against me.

⁷I’m an honest person. I could state my case to him.

Then my Judge would tell me once and for all that I’m not guilty.

⁸“But if I go to the east, God isn’t there.

If I go to the west, I don’t find him.

⁹When he’s working in the north, I don’t see him there.

When he turns to the south, I don’t see him there either.

¹⁰But he knows every step I take.

When he has put me to the test,

I’ll come out as pure as gold.

¹¹My feet have closely followed his steps.

I’ve stayed on his path without turning away.

¹²I haven’t disobeyed his commands.

I’ve treasured his words more than my daily bread.

¹³“But he’s the only God. Who can oppose him?

He does anything he wants to do.

¹⁴He carries out his plans against me.

And he still has many other plans just like them.

¹⁵That’s why I’m so terrified.

When I think about all of this, I’m afraid of him.

¹⁶God has made my heart weak.

The Mighty One has filled me with terror.

¹⁷But even the darkness of death won’t make me silent.

When the darkness of the grave covers my face, I won’t be quiet.