JPS - Job - 23

23:1  Then Job answered and said:

23:2  Even to-day is my complaint bitter; my hand is become heavy because 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 order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

23:5  I would know the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me.

23:6  Would He contend with me in His great power? Nay; but He would give heed unto me.

23:7  There the upright might reason with Him; so should I be delivered for ever from my Judge.

23:8  Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;

23:9  On the left hand, when He doth work, but I cannot behold Him, He turneth Himself to the right hand, but I cannot see Him.

23:10  For He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

23:11  My foot hath held fast to His steps, His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

23:12  I have not gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured up the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

23:13  But He is at one with Himself, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desireth, even that He doeth.

23:14  For He will perform that which is appointed for me; and many such things are with Him.

23:15  Therefore am I affrighted at His presence; when I consider, I am afraid of Him.

23:16  Yea, G-d hath made my heart faint, and the Almighty hath affrighted me;

23:17  Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did He cover the thick darkness from my face.