Job 23

LEB(i) 1 Then* Job answered and said, 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy in addition to my groaning. 3 O that* I knew and that I might find him; O that I might come to his dwelling. 4 I would lay my case before him,* and I would fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I want to know the words with which he would answer me, and I want to understand what he would say to me. 6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his strength? No, but he himself* would give heed to me. 7 There an upright person could reason with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge. 8 "When I go forward, he is not there,* or* backward, I cannot see him.* 9 When he works* on the left, I cannot perceive* him; he turns to the right, but* I cannot see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take;* he tests me—I shall come out like gold. 11 My foot has held on to his steps; I have kept his way, and I have not turned aside. 12 From the commandment of his lips, indeed* I have not departed; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily food. 13 "But* he is alone,* and who can dissuade him? And whatever he desires,* indeed,* he does it. 14 For he will carry out what he appoints for me,* and many things like these are with him. 15 Therefore, I am horrified because of his presence; when I consider, I tremble* because of him. 16 Indeed,* God has made my heart faint, and Shaddai has terrified me. 17 Indeed, I have not been silenced because of darkness,* and because of me he* conceals thick darkness.