Job, 23

[1] Then Job answered, and said: •

[2] Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning. •

[3] Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne? •

[4] I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints. •

[5] That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

[6] I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness. •

[7] Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory. •

[8] But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him. •

[9] If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him. •

[10] But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire: •

[11] My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

[12] I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom. •

[13] For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done. •

[14] And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him. •

[15] And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.

[16] God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me. •

[17] For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face. •