Job 23 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" Then Job answered and said, "

" Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. "

" Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! "

" I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. "

" I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say "

" Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put "

" There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. "

" Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive "

" On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see "

" But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. "

" My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. "

" Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary "

" But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. "

" For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such "

" Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid "

" For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth "

" Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face. "