1 Job said:

2 Today I complain bitterly,

because God has been cruel

and made me suffer.

3 If I knew where to find God,

I would go there

4 and argue my case.

5 Then I would discover

what he wanted to say.

6 Would he overwhelm me

with his greatness?

No! He would listen

7 because I am innocent,

and he would say,

"I now set you free!"

8 I cannot find God anywhere—

in front or back of me,

9 to my left or my right.

God is always at work,

though I never see him.

10 But he knows what I am doing,

and when he tests me,

I will be pure as gold.

* 11 I have never refused to follow

any of his commands,

12 and I have always treasured

his teachings.*

13 But he alone is God,

and who can oppose him?

God does as he pleases,

14 and he will do exactly

what he intends with me.

* 15 Merely the thought

of God All-Powerful

16 makes me tremble with fear.

17 God has covered me

with darkness,

but I refuse to be silent.*