Job 23

Chapter 23

Job’s Eighth Speech: A Response to Eliphaz

1 Then Job spoke again:
2 “My complaint today is still a bitter one,
and I try hard not to groan aloud.3 If only I knew where to find God,
I would go to his court.4 I would lay out my case
and present my arguments.5 Then I would listen to his reply
and understand what he says to me.6 Would he use his great power to argue with me?
No, he would give me a fair hearing.7 Honest people can reason with him,
so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.8 I go east, but he is not there.
I go west, but I cannot find him.9 I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden.
I look to the south, but he is concealed.10 “But he knows where I am going.
And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.11 For I have stayed on God’s paths;
I have followed his ways and not turned aside.12 I have not departed from his commands,
but have treasured his words more than daily food.13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does.14 So he will do to me whatever he has planned.
He controls my destiny.15 No wonder I am so terrified in his presence.
When I think of it, terror grips me.16 God has made me sick at heart;
the Almighty has terrified me.17 Darkness is all around me;
thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.

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