1. Then Job answered,
2. "Even today my complaining is bitter. His hand is heavy even when I cry inside myself.
3. If only I knew where to find Him, that I might go where He is!
4. I would tell Him how things are with me, and my mouth would be ready to argue.
5. I would know His answer, and could think about what He would say to me.
6. Would He go against me using His great power? No, He would listen to me.
7. There a man who is right could reason with Him. And I would be set free by my Judge.
8. "See, I go east, but He is not there. I go west, but I cannot see Him.
9. When He works to the left, I cannot see Him. When He turns to the right, I cannot see Him.
10. But He knows the way that I take. When He has tried me, I will come out as gold.
11. My foot has kept close to His steps. I have kept His way and have not turned aside.
12. I have not turned away from the words of His lips. I have stored up the words of His mouth. They are worth more to me than the food I need.
13. But He cannot be changed. Who can go against Him? He does whatever He wants.
14. For He does what He has planned for me, and many such things are in His mind.
15. So I am afraid to be with Him. When I think about it, I am very afraid of Him.
16. God has made my heart weak. The All-powerful has filled me with fear.
17. But I am not made quiet by the darkness or the deep shadow which covers my face.