1 And Job made answer and said,

2 Even today my outcry is bitter; his hand is hard on my sorrow.

3 If only I had knowledge of where he might be seen, so that I might come even to his seat!

4 I would put my cause in order before him, and my mouth would be full of arguments.

5 I would see what his answers would be, and have knowledge of what he would say to me.

6 Would he make use of his great power to overcome me? No, but he would give attention to me.

7 There an upright man might put his cause before him; and I would be free for ever from my judge.

8 See, I go forward, but he is not there; and back, but I do not see him;

9 I am looking for him on the left hand, but there is no sign of him; and turning to the right, I am not able to see him.

10 For he has knowledge of the way I take; after I have been tested I will come out like gold.

11 My feet have gone in his steps; I have kept in his way, without turning to one side or to the other.

12 I have never gone against the orders of his lips; the words of his mouth have been stored up in my heart.

13 But his purpose is fixed and there is no changing it; and he gives effect to the desire of his soul.

14 For what has been ordered for me by him will be gone through to the end: and his mind is full of such designs.

15 For this cause I am in fear before him, my thoughts of him overcome me.

16 For God has made my heart feeble, and my mind is troubled before the Ruler of all.

17 For I am overcome by the dark, and by the black night which is covering my face.

1 Then Job answered and said,

2 Even to-day is my complaint rebellious:

My stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!

That I might come even to his seat!

4 I would set my cause in order before him,

And fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which he would answer me,

And understand what he would say unto me.

6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?

Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

7 There the upright might reason with him;

So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;

And backward, but I cannot perceive him;

9 On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him;

He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.

10 But he knoweth the way that I take;

When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held fast to his steps;

His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

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.

13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?

And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14 For he performeth that which is appointed for me:

And many such things are with him.

15 Therefore am I terrified at his presence;

When I consider, I am afraid of him.

16 For God hath made my heart faint,

And the Almighty hath terrified me;

17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,

Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.