[1] Then Job answered and said: [2] "Even today 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 place 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 of 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.
