Job 23 - American Standard Version 2015

¹ Then Job answered and said,

² Even to-day is my complaint rebellious:\par\tab My stroke is heavier than my groaning.

³ Oh that I knew where I might find him!\par\tab That I might come even to his seat!

⁴ I would set my cause in order before him,\par\tab And fill my mouth with arguments.

⁵ I would know the words which he would answer me,\par\tab And understand what he would say unto me.

⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?\par\tab Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

⁷ There the upright might reason with him;\par\tab So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

⁸ Behold, I go forward, but he is not {\i there};\par\tab And backward, but I cannot perceive him;

⁹ On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him;\par\tab He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.

¹⁰ But he knoweth the way that I take;\par\tab When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

¹¹ My foot hath held fast to his steps;\par\tab His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

¹² I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips;\par\tab I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

¹³ But he is in one {\i mind}, and who can turn him?\par\tab And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

¹⁴ For he performeth that which is appointed for me:\par\tab And many such things are with him.

¹⁵ Therefore am I terrified at his presence;\par\tab When I consider, I am afraid of him.

¹⁶ For God hath made my heart faint,\par\tab And the Almighty hath terrified me;

¹⁷ Because I was not cut off before the darkness,\par\tab Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.\par