23:1 | Then Job replied: |
23:2 | "Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. |
23:3 | If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! |
23:4 | I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. |
23:5 | I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say. |
23:6 | Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me. |
23:7 | There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. |
23:8 | "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. |
23:9 | When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. |
23:10 | But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. |
23:11 | My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. |
23:12 | I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. |
23:13 | "But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. |
23:14 | He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. |
23:15 | That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. |
23:16 | God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. |
23:17 | Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face. |
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