Job 23

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

²³Then Job answered:

²“Today also my complaint is bitter;^r

his^s hand is heavy despite my groaning.^*

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

that I might come even to his dwelling!^*

⁴I would lay my case before him

and fill my mouth with arguments.^*

⁵I would learn what he would answer me

and understand what he would say to me.

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

No, but he would give heed to me.

⁷There the upright could reason with him,

and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.^*

⁸“If I go forward, he is not there;

or backward, I cannot perceive him;^*

⁹on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;

I turn^t to the right, but I cannot see him.

¹⁰But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold.^*

¹¹My foot has held fast to his steps;

I have kept his way and have not turned aside.^*

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

I have treasured his words in my bosom.^u*

¹³But he stands alone, and who can dissuade him?

What he desires, that he does.^*

¹⁴For he will complete what he appoints for me,

and many such things are in his mind.^*

¹⁵Therefore I am terrified at his presence;

when I consider, I am in dread of him.

¹⁶God has made my heart faint;

the Almighty^v has terrified me.^*

¹⁷If only I could vanish in darkness,

and thick darkness would cover my face!^w*