Job 23

EJ2000^{(i) 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.