International Standard Version
Job 23
1 Job’s response was to say:
2 “I’m still complaining bitterly today; my hand is heavy because of groaning.
3 If only I knew where to find him, I would visit him where he has taken his seat.
4 I would lay out my case before him; and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I know how he would answer me; I understand what he’ll tell me.
6 “Would he use his great power to fight me? No, he’ll pay attention to me.
7 In that place, the upright can reason with him; and I’ll be acquitted once and for all by my judge.”
8 “Look! If I go east, a he isn’t there! If I go to the west, b I don’t perceive him.
9 If he’s working in the north, c I can’t observe him; d If he turns south, e I can’t see him. f
10 Because he knows the road on which I travel, when he had tested me, I’ll come out like gold.
11 My feet stay where his footsteps lead; I kept on his pathway and haven’t turned aside.
12 I haven’t wandered away from the commands that he has spoken; g I’ve treasured what he has said h more than my own meals.”
13 “But he is One—who can change him? He does whatever he wants to do.
14 He’ll complete what he has planned for me; he has many things in mind for me!
15 That’s why I’m terrified at his presence! When I think about it, I’m afraid of him.
16 God has caused me to faint; i the Almighty makes me terrified!
17 Nevertheless, I haven’t been silenced because of the darkness, even when thick darkness obscures my vision.” j