[1] Then Job answered, and said: [2] Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning. [3] Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne? [4] I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints. [5] That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.
[6] I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness. [7] Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory. [8] But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him. [9] If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him. [10] But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:
[11] My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it. [12] I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom. [13] For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done. [14] And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him. [15] And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.
[16] God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me. [17] For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.