Job 23

23:1

Then Job answered:

23:2

“Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning.

23:3

If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat.

23:4

I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.

23:5

I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say.

23:6

Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me.

23:7

Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

23:8

If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.

23:9

When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him.

23:10

Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

23:11

My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.

23:12

I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.

23:13

But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.

23:14

For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans.

23:15

Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.

23:16

God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

23:17

Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.