Job’s Reply to Eliphaz

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.*23.12 treasured his teachings: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

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.*23.17 silent: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 17.