Then Job answered and said,

Today also my complaint is bitter; My stroke is heavy because of my groaning.

Oh that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat!

I would present my cause in order before Him, And I would fill my mouth with arguments.

I would know the words which He would answer me, And I would understand what He would speak to me.

Would He contend with me in the greatness of His power? No; but He would give heed to me.

There the upright man can argue with Him; So I would be delivered forever from my Judge.

Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; And backward, but I do not perceive Him;

To the left, where He acts, but I cannot look on Him; He hides Himself on the right, so I cannot see Him.

But He knows the way that I take; Should He try me, I would come forth as gold.

My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and have not turned aside.

As for the commandment of His lips, I have not turned back from it; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my apportioned food.

But He is of one mind, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, that will He do.

For He performs what has been appointed to me, And many such things are with Him.

Therefore I am terrified at His presence; I consider and am in dread of Him.

So God has made my heart faint, And the Almighty has terrified me;

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Nor did He cover the deep darkness from my face.