1 Then Job answered and said,
2 “Even today my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy in addition to my groaning.
3 ⌞O that⌟ I knew and that I might find him; O that I might come to his dwelling.
4 I would lay my case ⌞before him⌟, and I would fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I want to know the words with which he would answer me, and I want to understand what he would say to me.
6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his strength? No, but he himself would give heed to me.
7 There an upright person could reason with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 “When I go forward, ⌞he is not there⌟, or backward, I cannot see him.
9 ⌞When he works⌟ on the left, ⌞I cannot perceive⌟ him; he turns to the right, but I cannot see him.
10 But he knows ⌞the way that I take⌟; he tests me—I shall come out like gold.
11 My foot has held on to his steps; I have kept his way, and I have not turned aside.
12 From the commandment of his lips, indeed I have not departed; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily food.
13 “But he is ⌞alone⌟, and who can dissuade him? And ⌞whatever he desires⌟, ⌞indeed⌟, he does it.
14 For he will carry out ⌞what he appoints for me⌟, and many things like these are with him.
15 Therefore, I am horrified because of his presence; when I consider, I tremble because of him.
16 Indeed, God has made my heart faint, and Shaddai has terrified me.
17 Indeed, I have not been silenced ⌞because of darkness⌟, and because of me he conceals thick darkness.