23:1 Then Job answered and said: 23:2 "Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. 23:3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! 23:4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 23:5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. 23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power No; he would pay attention to me. 23:7 There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge. 23:8 "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; 23:9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. 23:13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back What he desires, that he does. 23:14 For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. 23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. 23:16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me; 23:17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness, nor because thick darkness covers my face.