Job 23

1. And Job answered and said,

2. Even to-day 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 to his seat!

4. I would order the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;

5. I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

6. Would he plead against me with [his] great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

7. There would an upright man reason with him; and I should be delivered for ever from my judge.

8. Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him;

9. On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold [him] not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see [him] not.

10. But he knoweth the way that I take; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold.

11. My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside.

12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart.

13. But he is in one [mind] , and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

14. For he will perform [what] is appointed for me; and many such things are with him.

15. Therefore am I troubled at his presence; I consider, and I am afraid of him.

16. For *God hath made my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me;

17. Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he hidden the gloom from me.