1Then Job answered, 2“Even today is my complaint bitter; His hand is heavier despite my groaning. 3Oh that I knew where I might find Him! That I might come to His home! 4I would plead my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would learn how He would answer me, and understand what He would say to me. 6Will He plead against me with His great power? No; but He would put strength in me. 7There the righteous might dispute with Him; so should I be delivered forever from my Judge. 8Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9On the left hand, where He works, but I cannot see Him; He hides Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him; 10But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My feet have followed His steps, I have kept His way, and not declined. 12Nor have I declined from the commandment of His lips; I have valued the words of His mouth more than essential food. 13But He is of one mind, and who can turn Him? And He does what He desires. 14For He carries out what is appointed for me; and many such things are with Him. 15Therefore I am terrified at His presence. When I consider, I am afraid of Him. 16For God makes my heart faint; the Almighty frightens me: 17Because I am not silenced by the darkness, nor by the gloom that He has covered my face with.