The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• The Book of Job. (a. V.)
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23

1 Then Job answered and said,

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

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

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

5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

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

8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

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

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

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

12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; † I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than ∥ my necessary food.

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

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

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

16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

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

[† ] Heb. my hand.

[† ] Heb. the way that is with me.

[† ] Heb. I have hid, or, laid up.

[∥ ] Or, my appointed portion

[* ] Ps. 115. 8.