Job's Reply
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 Even to day is my complaint bitter:
My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
4 I would order my cause before him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me,
And understand what he would say unto me.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power?
No; but he would put strength in me.
7 There the righteous might dispute with him;
So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there ;
And backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him:
He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10 But he knoweth the way that I take:
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot hath held his steps,
His way have I kept, and not declined.
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips;
I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food .
13 But he is in one mind , and who can turn him?
And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me:
And many such things are with him.
15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence:
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 For God maketh my heart soft,
And the Almighty troubleth me:
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
Neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
