Job Answers
23 Then Job answered:
2 “My complaint is still strong today.
God’s hand is heavy against me even though I am groaning.
3 I wish I knew where to find God.
I wish I could go to where he lives.
4 I would present my case before him.
I would fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words of his answer.
And I would think about what he would say.
6 He would not come against me with great power.
He would really listen to me.
7 Then an honest person could present his case to God.
And I would be saved forever from my judge.
8 “If I go to the east, God is not there.
And if I go to the west, I do not see him there.
9 When he is at work in the north, I catch no sight of him.
And when he turns to the south, I cannot see him.
10 But God knows the way that I take.
When he has tested me, I will come out pure as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps.
I have stayed in his way without turning aside.
12 I have never left the commands he has spoken.
I have treasured his words more than my food.
13 “But he is the only God.
No one can come against him.
He does anything he wants.
14 He will do to me what he said he would do.
And he has many plans like this.
15 That is why I am so afraid before him.
When I think of all this, I am afraid of him.
16 God has made me afraid.
God All-Powerful has made me terribly afraid.
17 But I am not cut off by the darkness,
by the thick darkness that covers my face.