[1] The reply of Job: [2] "My complaint today is still a bitter one, and my punishment far more severe than my fault deserves. [3] Oh, that I knew where to find God-that I could go to his throne and talk with him there. [4] I would tell him all about my side of this argument, and listen to his reply, and understand what he wants. [6] Would he merely overpower me with his greatness? No, he would listen with sympathy. [7] Fair and honest men could reason with him and be acquitted by my Judge. [8] "But I search in vain. I seek him here, I seek him there and cannot find him. [9] I seek him in his workshop in the north but cannot find him there; nor can I find him in the south; there, too, he hides himself. [10] But he knows every detail of what is happening to me; and when he has examined me, he will pronounce me completely innocent-as pure as solid gold! [11] "I have stayed in God's paths, following his steps. I have not turned aside. [12] I have not refused his commandments but have enjoyed them more than my daily food. [13] Nevertheless, his mind concerning me remains unchanged, and who can turn him from his purposes? Whatever he wants to do, he does. [14] So he will do to me all he has planned, and there is more ahead. [15] "No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me. [16] God has given me a fainting heart; he, the Almighty, has terrified me with darkness all around me, thick, impenetrable darkness everywhere.
