23 Then
Job answered and said, 2 Even
to day is my complaint bitter: 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 order my cause 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 Will
he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength
in me. 7 There
the righteous might dispute 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, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth
himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But
he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth
as gold. 11 My
foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither
have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words
of his mouth more than my necessary food. 13 But
he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even
that he doeth. 14 For
he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are
with him. 15 Therefore
am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. 16 For
God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: 17 Because
I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness
from my face.