[1] Job replied, [2] “Even today my problems are more than I can handle. In spite of my groans, God’s hand is heavy on me. [3] I wish I knew where I could find him! I wish I could go to the place where he lives! [4] I would state my case to him. I’d give him all my arguments. [5] I’d find out what his answers would be. I’d think about what he would say to me. [6] Would he strongly oppose me? No. He wouldn’t bring charges against me. [7] There honest people can prove to him they’re not guilty. There my Judge would tell me once and for all that I’m not guilty. [8] “But if I go to the east, God isn’t there. If I go to the west, I don’t find him. [9] When he’s working in the north, I don’t see him there. When he turns to the south, I don’t see him there either. [10] But he knows every step I take. When he has tested me, I’ll come out as pure as gold. [11] My feet have closely followed his steps. I’ve stayed on his path without turning away. [12] I haven’t disobeyed his commands. I’ve treasured his words more than my daily bread. [13] “But he’s the only God. Who can oppose him? He does anything he wants to do. [14] He carries out his plans against me. And he still has many other plans just like them. [15] That’s why I’m so terrified. When I think about all of this, I’m afraid of him. [16] God has made my heart weak. The Mighty One has filled me with terror. [17] But even the darkness of death won’t make me silent. When the darkness of the grave covers my face, I won’t be quiet.
