[1] Then Job answered: [2] "Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy because of my groaning. [3] Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat! [4] I would present my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. [5] I would know the words that He would answer me and understand what He would say to me. [6] Will He plead against me with His great power? No! But He would take note of me. [7] There the righteous might dispute with Him; so would I be delivered forever from my Judge. [8] "Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; [9] when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. [10] But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. [11] My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and have not turned aside. [12] I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. [13] "But He is resolute, and who can turn Him? And whatever His soul desires, that He does. [14] For He performs what is appointed for me, and many such things are with Him. [15] Therefore I am troubled at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him. [16] For God makes my heart soft, and the Almighty troubles me; [17] because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness, nor has He covered the darkness from my face.
