1 A nd Job answered and said,

2 E ven to-day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3 O h 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 W ould he plead against me with great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

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

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

9 O n the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see not.

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

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

12 N either 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 B ut he is in one, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

14 F or he will perform is appointed for me; and many such things are with him.

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

16 F or God hath made my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me;

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