Then Job answered:
2 “Today also my complaint is bitter;[a] his[b] hand is heavy despite my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! 4 I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. 6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me. 7 There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; 9 on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn[c] to the right, but I cannot see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold. 11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in[d] my bosom the words of his mouth. 13 But he stands alone and who can dissuade him? What he desires, that he does. 14 For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind. 15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. 16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty[e] has terrified me; 17 If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face![f]
Footnotes
a. Job 23:2 Syr Vg Tg: Heb rebellious
b. Job 23:2 Gk Syr: Heb my
c. Job 23:9 Syr Vg: Heb he turns
d. Job 23:12 Gk Vg: Heb from
e. Job 23:16 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai
f. Job 23:17 Or But I am not destroyed by the darkness; he has concealed the thick darkness from me
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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