Job 23 · איוב

Then Iyyov answered and said,

Even today my complaint is bitter: my stroke is heavy because of 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 to me.

Would he contend with me in his great power? No; but he would give heed to me.

There the upright might reason 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 him:

on the left hand, where he works, but I cannot behold him: he hides himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

for he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

My foot has held fast to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside.

Nor have I gone back from the commandment of his lips, I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him? and what his soul desires, even that he does.

For he performs the thing that is appointed for me and many such things are with him.

Therefore am I terrified at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

For God makes my heart faint, and the Almighty has affrighted me:

because I was not cut off before the darkness, nor did he cover the thick darkness from my face.