# Job 23 [[Job 22|←]] • [[Job 24|→]] --- ### 1 Then Job answered and said, ### 2 Even to day my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. ### 3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! I might come to his seat! ### 4 I would order cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. ### 5 I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. ### 6 Will he plead against me with great power? No; but he would put 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 not and backward, but I cannot perceive him: ### 9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see ### 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: 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 ### 13 But he in one and who can turn him? and his soul desireth, even he doeth. ### 14 For he performeth appointed for me: and many such 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, hath he covered the darkness from my face.