1Then Job answered: | 1Then Job answered: |
2"Even today my complaint is still bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. | 2"Even today my complaint is still bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. |
3O that I knew where I might find him, that I could come to his place of residence! | 3O that I knew where I might find him, that I could come to his place of residence! |
4I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. | 4I would lay out my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. |
5I would know with what words he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. | 5I would know with what words he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. |
6Would he contend with me with great power? No, he would only pay attention to me. | 6Would he contend with me with great power? No, he would only pay attention to me. |
7There an upright person could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. | 7There an upright person could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. |
8"If I go to the east, he is not there, and to the west, yet I do not perceive him. | 8"If I go to the east, he is not there, and to the west, yet I do not perceive him. |
9In the north when he is at work, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I see no trace of him. | 9In the north when he is at work, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I see no trace of him. |
10But he knows the pathway that I take; if he tested me, I would come forth like gold. | 10But he knows the pathway that I take; if he tested me, I would come forth like gold. |
11My feet have followed his steps closely; I have kept to his way and have not turned aside. | 11My feet have followed his steps closely; I have kept to his way and have not turned aside. |
12I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion. | 12I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion. |
13But he is unchangeable, and who can change him? Whatever he has desired, he does. | 13But he is unchangeable, and who can change him? Whatever he has desired, he does. |
14For he fulfills his decree against me, and many such things are his plans. | 14For he fulfills his decree against me, and many such things are his plans. |
15That is why I am terrified in his presence; when I consider, I am afraid because of him. | 15That is why I am terrified in his presence; when I consider, I am afraid because of him. |
16Indeed, God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. | 16Indeed, God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. |
17Yet I have not been silent because of the darkness, because of the thick darkness that covered my face. | 17Yet I have not been silent because of the darkness, because of the thick darkness that covered my face. |
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