JOB 23
Job Replies: Where Is God?
[1] Then Job answered and said:
[2] “Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
[3] Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
[4] I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
[5] I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
[6] Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
[7] There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
[8] “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
[9] on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
[10] But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
[11] My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
[12] I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
[13] But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
[14] For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.
[15] Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
[16] God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
[17] yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face. (ESV)
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