Job 23

² “Even today my complaint is rebellious.
    His hand is heavy in spite of 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 tell me.
⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
    No, but he would listen to me.
⁷ There the upright might reason with him,
    so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

⁸ “If I go east, he is not there;
    if west, I can’t find him;
⁹ He works to the north, but I can’t see him.
    He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.

¹⁰ But he knows the way that I take.
    When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
¹¹ My foot has held fast to his steps.
    I have kept his way, and not turned away.
¹² I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips.
    I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
¹³ But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
    What his soul desires, even that he does.
¹⁴ For he performs that which is appointed for me.
    Many such things are with him.
¹⁵ Therefore I am terrified at his presence.
    When I consider, I am afraid of him.
¹⁶ For God has made my heart faint.
    The Almighty has terrified me.
¹⁷ Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
    neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.

Job 22   ■   Job 24