23:1 Then Job answered and said:
23:2 Even to-day is my complaint bitter; my hand is become heavy because of my groaning.
23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat!
23:4 I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
23:5 I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me.
23:6 Would He contend with me in His great power? Nay; but He would give heed unto me.
23:7 There the upright might reason with Him; so should I be delivered for ever from my Judge.
23:8 Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
23:9 On the left hand, when He doth work, but I cannot behold Him, He turneth Himself to the right hand, but I cannot see Him.
23:10 For He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
23:11 My foot hath held fast to His steps, His way have I kept, and turned not aside.
23:12 I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured up the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
23:13 But He is at one with Himself, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desireth, even that He doeth.
23:14 For He will perform that which is appointed for me; and many such things are with Him.
23:15 Therefore am I affrighted at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him.
23:16 Yea, God hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath affrighted me;
23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did He cover the thick darkness from my face.