Job 23

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.

JOB 23

Job's Reply to Eliphaz

Today I Complain Bitterly

1 Job said:

2 Today I complain bitterly,
because God has been cruel
and made me suffer.

3 If I knew where to find God,
I would go there

4 and argue my case.

5 Then I would discover
what he wanted to say.

6 Would he overwhelm me
with his greatness?
No! He would listen

7 because I am innocent,
and he would say,
“I now set you free!”

8 I cannot find God anywhere—
in front or back of me,

9 to my left or my right.
God is always at work,
though I never see him.

10 But he knows what I am doing,
and when he tests me,
I will be pure as gold.
*

11 I have never refused to follow
any of his commands,

12 and I have always treasured
his teachings.t

13 But he alone is God,
and who can oppose him?
God does as he pleases,

14 and he will do exactly
what he intends with me.
*

15 Merely the thought
of God All-Powerful

16 makes me tremble with fear.

17 God has covered me
with darkness,
but I refuse to be silent.t