^1. Then Job replied:

^2. "Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand [2] is heavy in spite of [1] my groaning.

^3. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!

^4. I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.

^5. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say.

^6. Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me.

^7. There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.

^8. "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him.

^9. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.

^10. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

^11. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

^12. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

^13. "But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.

^14. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store.

^15. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him.

^16. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

^17. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.