¹Then Job answered ,

²“Even today my complaint is rebellious .

His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

³Oh that I knew where I might find him !

That I might come even to his seat !

⁴I would set my cause in order before him ,

and fill my mouth with arguments .

⁵I would know the words which he would answer me ,

and understand what he would tell me .

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

No , but he would listen to me .

⁷There the upright might reason with him ,

so I should be delivered forever from my judge .

⁸“If I go east , he is not there .

If I go west, I can ’t find him .

⁹He works to the north , but I can ’t see him .

He turns south , but I can ’t catch a glimpse of him .

¹⁰But he knows the way that I take .

When he has tried me , I will come out like gold .

¹¹My foot has held fast to his steps .

I have kept his way , and not turned away .

¹²I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips .

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

¹³But he stands alone , and who can oppose him ?

What his soul desires, even that he does .

¹⁴For he performs that which is appointed for me .

Many such things are with him .

¹⁵Therefore I am terrified at his presence .

When I consider, I am afraid of him .

¹⁶For God has made my heart faint .

The Almighty has terrified me .

¹⁷Because I was not cut off before the darkness ,

neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face .