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Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter

23Then Job answered:
² ‘Today also my complaint is bitter;^*
   his^* hand is heavy despite my groaning.
³ O that I knew where I might find him,
   that I might come even to his dwelling!
⁴ I would lay my case before him,
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
⁵ I would learn 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; but he would give heed to me.
⁷ There 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;
⁹ on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
   I turn^* to the right, but I cannot see him.
¹⁰ But he knows the way that I take;
   when he has tested me, I shall come out like 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 in^* my bosom the words of his mouth.
¹³ But he stands alone and who can dissuade him?
   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 If only I could vanish in darkness,
   and thick darkness would cover my face!^*