1. Then Job answered and said,

2. Even to day my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

3. Oh that I knew where I might find him! I might come to his seat!

4. I would order cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5. I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

6. Will he plead against me with great power? No; but he would put in me.

7. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

8. Behold, I go forward, but he not; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

9. On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see:

10. But he knoweth the way that I take: he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

11. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary.

13. But he in one, and who can turn him? and his soul desireth, even he doeth.

14. For he performeth appointed for me: and many such with him.

15. Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

16. For Elohim maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

17. Because I was not cut off before the darkness, hath he covered the darkness from my face.