23:1 Then Job replied:

23:2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

23:3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!

23:4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

23:5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say.

23:6 Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me.

23:7 There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.

23:8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him.

23:9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.

23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

23:11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

23:13 "But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.

23:14 He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store.

23:15 That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him.

23:16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

23:17 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.