[1] Then Job answered: [2] "I am still complaining today. I groan because God is still making me suffer. [3] I wish I knew where to find him. I wish I knew how to go to where he lives. [4] I would present my case to him. I would make my arguments to show that I am innocent. [5] He could give his response, and I would understand. I would listen closely to what he says. [6] Would God use his power against me? No, he would listen to me! [7] Since I am an honest man, he would let me tell my story. Then my Judge would set me free! [8] "If I go to the east, God is not there. If I go to the west, I still don't see him. [9] When he is working in the north, I don't see him. When he turns to the south, I still don't see him. [10] But God knows me. He is testing me and will see that I am as pure as gold. [11] I have always lived the way God wants. I have never stopped following him. [12] I always obey his commands. I love the words from his mouth more than I love my food. [13] "But God never changes, and who can stand against him? He does anything he wants. [14] He will do to me what he planned, and he has many other plans for me. [15] That is why I am terrified to stand before him. Just thinking about it makes me afraid. [16] The fear of God has made me lose my courage. God All-Powerful makes me afraid. [17] What has happened to me is like a dark cloud over my face. But the darkness will not keep me quiet.
