Job 23 | AB | STEP | Then Job answered and said,

‏ 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 my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, and come to an end of 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 He would tell me. 6 Though He should come on me in His 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 know concerning the latter end? 9 When He worked on the left hand, then I observed it not: His right hand shall encompass me but I shall not see it. 10 For He already knows 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 shall not turn aside from His commandments, 12 neither shall I transgress; but I have hid His words in my bosom. 13 And if He too has thus judged, who is he that has contradicted, for He has both willed a thing and done it. 15 (23:14) Therefore am I troubled at Him; and when I was reproved, I thought of Him. (23:15) Therefore let me take good heed before Him: I will consider, and be terrified 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 covered me before my face.