Job, chapter 23

Today I Complain Bitterly

Job said:

² CToday I complain bitterly, because God has been cruel

and made me suffer.

³If I knew where to find God,

I would go there ⁴and argue my case.

⁵Then I would discover what he wanted to say.

⁶Would he overwhelm me with his greatness?

No! He would listen ⁷because I am innocent,

and he would say, “I now set you free!”

⁸I cannot find God anywhereH— in front or back of me,

⁹to my left or my right.

God is always at work, though I never see him.

¹⁰But he knows what I am doing, and when he tests me,

I will be pure as gold.

* ¹¹I have never refused to follow any of his commands,

¹²and I have always treasured his teachingsO.*

¹³ CBut he alone is God, and who can oppose him?

God does as he pleases, ¹⁴and he will do exactly

what he intends with me.

* ¹⁵Merely the thought of God All-PowerfulI

¹⁶makes me tremble with fear.

¹⁷God has covered me with darkness,

but I refuse to be silent.*