Job 23

1 And Job answered and said,

Then Job answered and said,

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

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 to his seat!

Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!

4 I would order the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;

I would order my 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.

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

6 Would he plead against me with [his] great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

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

There the upright might reason with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

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

Behold, I go forward, but he is not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold [him] not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see [him] not.

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; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold.

But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

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

My foot hath held fast to his steps; his way have I kept, and turned not aside.

12 Neither 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.

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 [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14 For he will perform [what] is appointed for me; and many such things are with him.

For he performeth that which is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

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

Therefore am I troubled at his presence; when I consider, I am afraid of him.

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

For God hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath troubled me:

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

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.