[1] Then Job answered, [2] Even today is my complaint rebellious and 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 lay my cause before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. [5] I would learn what He would answer me, and understand what He would say to me. [6] Would He plead against me with His great power? No, He would give heed to me. [7] There the righteous [one who is upright and in right standing with God] could reason with Him; so I should be acquitted by my Judge forever. [8] Behold, I go forward [and to the east], but He is not there; I go backward [and to the west], but I cannot perceive Him; [9] On the left hand [and to the north] where He works [I seek Him], but I cannot behold Him; He turns Himself to the right hand [and to the south], but I cannot see Him. [10] But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]. [11] My foot has held fast to His steps; His ways have I kept and not turned aside. [12] I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed and treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. [13] But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him? And what He wants to do, that He does. [14] For He performs [that which He has] planned for me, and of many such matters He is mindful. [15] Therefore am I troubled and terrified at His presence; when I consider, I am in dread and afraid of Him. [16] For God has made my heart faint, timid, and broken, and the Almighty has terrified me, [17] Because I was not cut off before the darkness [of these woes befell me], neither has He covered the thick darkness from my face.
