1  And Job answered and said, 2  Even to-day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. 3  Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come to his seat! 4 I would order the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments; 5  I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. 6  Would he plead against me with [his] great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me. 7  There would an upright man reason with him; and I should be delivered for ever from my judge. 8  Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9  On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold [him] not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see [him] not. 10  But he knoweth the way that I take; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold. 11  My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside. 12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart. 13  But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do. 14  For he will perform [what] is appointed for me; and many such things are with him. 15  Therefore am I troubled at his presence; I consider, and I am afraid of him. 16  For *God hath made my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me; 17  Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he hidden the gloom from me.