23 Then Iyyov responded to Elifaz and the others:

2 Even today my complaint is bitter.

≈ I’m groaning because my situation is so difficult.

3 If only I knew where to find him

I would have gone to his place.

4 I would present my case to him,

≈ and I would expound all my arguments,

5 I want to know how he’d answer,

≈ and to understand what he’ll say to me.

6 Would he use his incredible power to dispute my case?

No, surely he’d pay attention to me.

7 An honest person could reason with him there,

and I would be set free forever by the one judging me.

8 Look, I go to the east but he isn’t there,

≈ and to the west but I can’t detect him there.

9 He works in the north, but I can’t see him,

≈ and when he turned south, I didn’t spot him.

10 Nevertheless, he knows the path that I’ve taken.

He’s tested me and I’ve come out like refined gold.

11 My feet have followed in his tracks.

≈ I’ve kept to the path without wavering.

12 I’ve always obeyed what he commanded,

and I’ve valued his words more than my daily food.

13 But he’s independent so who could dissuade him?

≈ He does whatever he wants to do.

14 He carries out what’s been decided for me,

≈ and he knows so much about me.

15 That’s why I’m terrified in his presence,

≈ I’m afraid of him when I consider all that.

16 God has caused me to be faint-hearted.

≈ The provider has terrified me.

17 I haven’t been silenced when facing the darkness,

or by the fog that covers my face.