1Then Job replied,
2“Even today my complaint is defiant. God’s hand is heavy, even though I groan.
3Oh, if only I knew where I could find him! If only I could go to his dwelling place!
4I would present my case to him and fill my mouth with arguments.
5I would like to know what he would say in response, and understand what he would tell me.
6Would he argue with me because of his great power? No, he would actually listen to me.
7Then an honest person could reason with him, and I would be set free from my judge forever.
8“If I go to the east, he isn’t there; if I go to the west, I can’t find him.
9He is at work in the north, but I can’t see him. He turns to the south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.
10But he knows the path I take. When he has tested me, I will come out like pure gold.
11I have followed his steps closely. I have kept to his way and not turned aside.
12I haven’t ignored what he has commanded. I have valued his words more than my daily food.
13But he stands alone, and no one can oppose him. Whatever he desires, that is what he does.
14For he will carry out what he has planned for me. He has many such plans.
15Therefore, I am terrified in his presence. When I think about it, I am afraid of him.
16Because God has made my spirit weak. The Almighty has filled me with fear.
17This is why I wasn't allowed to die before the darkness came, nor did he hide the deep darkness from my face.