THE BOOK OF JOB

 

Job Chapter 23

1 ¶ Then Job replied saying,

2 My complaint is also bitter today: his hand is heavy despite my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come to his seat!

4 I would lay my case before him, and have a mouth full of arguments.

5 I want to know what he would say in answer to me, and understand what he would tell me.

6 Would he prosecute me forcefully? No; he would hear me out.

7 There the righteous could reason with him; so I would be acquitted by my judge forever.

8 ¶ Behold, I go east, but he is not there; and west, but I cannot see him:

9 When he is at work in the north, I cannot see him: he hides himself in the south, so that I cannot find him:

10 But he knows the way that I go: when he has tried me, I will come forth like gold.

11 My foot has held fast to his steps, I have kept his way, and not turned aside.

12 Nor have I turned back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

13 ¶ But he decides, and who can change him? he does whatever his soul desires.

14 For he will carry out what is planned for me: and has many such things in mind.

15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider it, I am afraid of him.

16 For God has broken down my courage, and the Almighty terrifies me:

17 But the darkness has not silenced me, nor has the darkness that hides him from me.