Job 23

If Only I Knew Where to Find Him

1Then Job answered and said: 2“Even today my complaint is bitter;
his hand is heavy despite my groaning. 3If only I knew where to find him,
that I might come to his seat! 4I would arrange my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would know the words he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me. 6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; surely he would give attention to me. 7There an upright person could argue with him,
and I would be delivered forever from my judge.

I Cannot Perceive Him

8Look, I go forward, but he is not there;
and backward, but I cannot perceive him; 9to the left where he works, but I cannot behold him;
he turns to the right, but I cannot see him. 10But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me,
I will come out like gold. 11My foot has held fast to his step;
I have kept his way and not turned aside. 12I have not departed from the command of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth
more than my appointed food.

He Is One, and Who Can Turn Him?

13But he is one, and who can turn him?
What his soul desires, that he does. 14For he will complete what is appointed for me,
and many such things are with him. 15Therefore I am terrified before his face;
when I consider it, I am afraid of him. 16God has made my heart faint,
and the Almighty has terrified me, 17yet I am not silenced by the darkness
or by the thick darkness that covers my face.”