Job 23

1 Then Job answered and said, 2 Yes, I know that pleading is out of my reach; and his hand has been made heavy upon mygroaning. 3 Who would then know that I might find him, and come to an endof the matter? 4 And I would plead my own cause, and he would fill my mouth with arguments. 5 And I would know the remedies which he would speak to me, and I would perceive what hewould tell me. 6 Though he should come on me inhis great strength, then he would not threaten me; 7 for truth and reproof are from him; and he would bring forth my judgment to an end. 8 For if I shall go first, and exist no longer, still what do I knowconcerning the latter end? 9 When he wrought on the left hand, then I observedit not: his right hand shall encompass me but I shall not seeit. 10 For he knows already my way; and he has tried me as gold. 11 And I will go forth according to his commandments, for I have kept his ways; and I shallnot turn aside from his commandments, 12 neither shall I transgress; but I have hid his words in my bosom. 13 And if too he has thus judged, who is he that has contradicted, for he has both willeda thing and done it. 15 Therefore am I troubled at him; and when I was reproved, I thought of him. Thereforelet me take good heed before him: I will consider, and be afraid of him. 16 But the Lord has softened my heart, and the Almighty has troubled me. 17 For I knew not that darkness would come upon me, and thick darkness has coveredme before my face.