1 T hen Job answered and said:

2 “ Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning.

3 O h, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat!

4 I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me.

6 W ould He contend with me in His great power? No! But He would take note of me.

7 T here the upright could reason with Him, And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

8 “ Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;

9 W hen He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.

10 B ut He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

11 M y foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

13 “ But He is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does.

14 F or He performs what is appointed for me, And many such things are with Him.

15 T herefore I am terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am afraid of Him.

16 F or God made my heart weak, And the Almighty terrifies me;

17 B ecause I was not cut off from the presence of darkness, And He did not hide deep darkness from my face.