1 Then Job answered,

2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious.

His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!

That I might come even to his seat!

4 I would set my cause in order before him,

and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me,

and understand what he would tell me.

6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

No, but he would listen to me.

7 There the upright might reason with him,

so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

8 "If I go east, he is not there.

If I go west, I can’t find him.

9 He works to the north, but I can’t see him.

He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.

10 But he knows the way that I take.

When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.

11 My foot has held fast to his steps.

I have kept his way, and not turned away.

12 I haven’t 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 stands alone, and who can oppose him?

What his soul desires, even that he does.

14 For he performs that which is appointed for me.

Many such things are with him.

15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence.

When I consider, I am afraid of him.

16 For God has made my heart faint.

The Almighty has terrified me.

17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,

neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.

1 Then Job answered and said,

2 Today I will also speak with bitterness; 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 judgment 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 Will he plead against me with [his] great power? No, but rather he would put it in me.

7 There the righteous might dispute with him; and should I escape for ever from the one who condemns me.

8 Behold, I shall go to the east and not find him; and to the west, but I cannot perceive him;

9 if he is working to the north, I shall not see him; to the south, he hides himself, that I shall not see [him].

10 But he has known the way that I take; he has tried me, and I have come forth as gold.

11 My feet have held to his steps, I have kept his way, and have not departed.

12 Neither have I separated myself from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

13 But if he determines something, who can turn him? His soul desired [it], and he did [it].

14 Therefore, he will finish that which is necessary for me; and [there are] many such things in him.

15 Therefore, I shall fear before his face; I shall consider, and I shall fear him.

16 For God has made my heart tender, and the Almighty has frightened me.

17 Why was I not cut off before the darkness, [neither] has he covered my face with the darkness.: