Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

23Then Job answered:
²‘Today also my complaint is bitter;^*
   his^* hand is heavy despite my groaning.
³O that I knew where I might find him,
   that I might come even to his dwelling!
⁴I would lay my case before him,
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
⁵I would learn what he would answer me,
   and understand what he would say to me.
⁶Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
   No; but he would give heed to me.
⁷There an upright person could reason with him,
   and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

⁸‘If I go forward, he is not there;
   or backward, I cannot perceive him;
⁹on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
   I turn^* to the right, but I cannot see him.
¹⁶God has made my heart faint;
   the Almighty^* has terrified me;
¹⁷If only I could vanish in darkness,
   and thick darkness would cover my face!^*