Job 23

American Standard Version

² Even to-day is my complaint ^[a]rebellious:
My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
³ Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
⁴ I would set my cause in order before him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
⁵ I would know the words which he would answer me,
And understand what he would say unto me.
⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
Nay; ^[b]but he would give heed unto me.
⁷ There the upright might reason with him;
So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
⁸ Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;
And backward, but I cannot perceive him;
⁹ On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him;
He ^[c]hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.

^10 [d]But he knoweth ^[e]the way that I take;
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
¹¹ My foot hath held fast to his steps;
His way have I kept, and turned not aside.
¹² I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured up the words of his mouth ^[f]more than my ^[g]necessary food.
¹³ But ^[h]he is in one mind, and who can turn him?
And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
¹⁴ For he performeth that which is appointed for me:
And many such things are with him.
¹⁵ Therefore am I terrified at his presence;
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
¹⁶ For God hath made my heart faint,
And the Almighty hath terrified me;
^17 [i]Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.