The Book of Job

23: 1Then Job answered and said,

 ^23:2Even to-day is my complaint rebellious:

 My stroke is heavier than my groaning.

 ^23:3Oh that I knew where I might find him!

 That I might come even to his seat!

 ^23:4I would set my cause in order before him,

 And fill my mouth with arguments.

 ^23:5I would know the words which he would answer me,

 And understand what he would say unto me.

 ^23:6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

 Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

 ^23:7There the upright might reason with him;

 So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

 ^23:8Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;

 And backward, but I cannot perceive him;

 ^23:9On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him;

 He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.
 
 

 ^23:10But he knoweth the way that I take;

 When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 ^23:11My foot hath held fast to his steps;

 His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

 ^23:12I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips;

 I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

 ^23:13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?

 And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

 ^23:14For he performeth that which is appointed for me:

 And many such things are with him.

 ^23:15Therefore am I terrified at his presence;

 When I consider, I am afraid of him.

 ^23:16For God hath made my heart faint,

 And the Almighty hath terrified me;

 ^23:17Because I was not cut off before the darkness,

 Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.