Job 23 · Job Longs for God

1Job said in reply:

2Today again my complaint is bitter;My strength is spent on account of my groaning.

3Would that I knew how to reach [God],How to get to the heavenly dwelling-place.

4I would set out my case,And fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would learn what answers were waiting for me,And know how the reply would be.

6Would [God] contend with me overbearingly?Surely I would not be accused!

7There the upright would be cleared by divine decree,And I would escape forever from my judge.

8But if I go East—[God] is not there;West—I still appear to be alone;

9North—I cannot discern One who is concealed;South—also there hidden from my sight.

10But [God] knows the way I take;Would it be assayed, I should emerge pure as gold.

11I have followed in God’s tracks,Kept that way without swerving,

12I have not deviated from what God’s lips commanded;I have treasured those words more than my daily bread.

13Single-minded, not readily dissuaded,[God] desires, and it comes to pass.

14For this One will bring my term to an end,But there are many more such who are held in reserve.

15Therefore I am terrified at God’s presence;When I consider, I feel dread.

16God has made me fainthearted;Shaddai has terrified me.

17Yet I am not cut off by the darkness;The thick gloom has been concealed from me.