1 Job’s response was to say: ISV — Job 23:1
2 “I’m still complaining bitterly today; my hand is heavy because of groaning. ISV — Job 23:2
3 If only I knew where to find him, I would visit him where he has taken his seat. ISV — Job 23:3
4 I would lay out my case before him; and fill my mouth with arguments. ISV — Job 23:4
5 I know how he would answer me; I understand what he’ll tell me. ISV — Job 23:5
6 “Would he use his great power to fight me? No, he’ll pay attention to me. ISV — Job 23:6
7 In that place, the upright can reason with him; and I’ll be acquitted once and for all by my judge.” ISV — Job 23:7
8 “Look! If I go east, a23:8 Or forward he isn’t there! If I go to the west, b23:8 Or back I don’t perceive him. ISV — Job 23:8
9 If he’s working in the north, c23:9 Or left I can’t observe him; d23:9 The Heb. lacks him If he turns south, e23:9 Or right I can’t see him. f23:9 The Heb. lacks him ISV — Job 23:9
10 Because he knows the road on which I travel, when he had tested me, I’ll come out like gold. ISV — Job 23:10
11 My feet stay where his footsteps lead; I kept on his pathway and haven’t turned aside. ISV — Job 23:11
12 I haven’t wandered away from the commands that he has spoken; g23:12 Lit. commands of his lips I’ve treasured what he has said h23:12 Lit. treasured the words of his mouth more than my own meals.” ISV — Job 23:12
13 “But he is One—who can change him? He does whatever he wants to do. ISV — Job 23:13
14 He’ll complete what he has planned for me; he has many things in mind for me! ISV — Job 23:14
15 That’s why I’m terrified at his presence! When I think about it, I’m afraid of him. ISV — Job 23:15
16 God has caused me to faint; i23:16 Or tender hearted the Almighty makes me terrified! ISV — Job 23:16
17 Nevertheless, I haven’t been silenced because of the darkness, even when thick darkness obscures my vision.” j23:17 Lit. face ISV — Job 23:17