The Book of Job

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- Chapter 23 -

Job proclaims the righteous judgments of God

Then Job replied and said this:

“Today I am again complaining bitterly to God; I continue to groan, but I suffer even more.

I wish that I knew where I could meet with him so that I could go to the place where he lives.

If I could do that, I would tell him why I know that I am innocent; I would tell him many reasons for that.

Then I would find out and understand what he would reply to me.

Would he use his great power to argue with me? No, he would listen to me carefully.

I am an honest man, so I would be able to discuss things with him fairly, and then he would declare that I am innocent, and he would not trouble me again.

However, I have gone to the east, and he is not there; I have gone to the west, but I have not found him there.

I have gone north and I have gone south, but I have not seen him anywhere for he keeps himself from me.

He knows how I have conducted my life; when he has finished testing me, he will see that I am as pure as gold whose impurities have all been burned out.

I have faithfully walked on the road that he showed me; I have not turned away from obeying him.

I have always obeyed what he commanded; I have hidden away in my inner being the words that he has spoken.

He never changes. There is no one who can stop him from doing what he desires. Whatever he wants to do, he does.

He will finish doing the things that he has planned for me, and I am sure that he has thought about doing many things for me.

So I am terrified when I am in front of him; when I think about what he can do, I am very afraid.

God Almighty has made me very afraid.

The thick darkness in front of me has not made me silent, even that terrible darkness that covers my face has not kept me from speaking.”

Job proclaims the righteous judgments of God

Then Job answered,

“Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

“If I go east, he is not there. If I go west, I can’t find him.

He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.

But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.

My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.

I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.