1Then Job answered and said , 2Even to day is my complaint bitter : my stroke is heavier than my groaning . 3Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat ! 4I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments . 5I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. 6Will he plead against me with his great power ? No; but he would put strength in me. 7There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge .
Job's Confidence in God's Justice
8Behold, I go forward , but he is not there; and backward , but I cannot perceive him: 9On the left hand , where he doth work , but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand , that I cannot see him: 10But he knoweth the way that I take : when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold . 11My foot hath held his steps , his way have I kept , and not declined . 12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips ; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food .
The Sovereignty of God
13But he is in one mind , and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth , even that he doeth . 14For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. 15Therefore am I troubled at his presence : when I consider , I am afraid of him. 16For God maketh my heart soft , and the Almighty troubleth me: 17Because I was not cut off before the darkness , neither hath he covered the darkness from my face .