Job 23

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