NHEB - Job - 23

23:1  Then Job answered,

23:2  "Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite 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 set my cause in order 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 tell me.

23:6  Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

23:7  There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

23:8  "If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find him;

23:9  He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.

23:10  But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

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

23:12  I haven't 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 stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

23:14  For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

23:15  Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

23:16  For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

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