1. Then Job answered and said,
2. Even today is my complaint rebellious: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3. Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!
4. I would order my cause 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 unto me.
6. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.
7. There the upright might reason with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8. Behold, I go forward, but he is not {cf15i there}; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9. On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.
10. But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11. My foot hath held fast to his steps; his way have I kept, and turned not aside.
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.
13. But he is in one {cf15i mind}, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14. For he performeth that which is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
15. Therefore am I troubled at his presence; when I consider, I am afraid of him.
16. For God hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath troubled me:
17. Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.