[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.