Job 23:13 | English Standard Version

English Standard Version

Job Replies: Where Is God?

1 Then Job answered and said: 2 “Today also my complaint is bitter;^[1] my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. (Job 10:1; Job 21:4; Ps 32:4) 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! (Job 13:3; Job 16:21; Ps 9:7; Isa 57:15)

Job 13:3Job 16:21Ps 9:7Isa 57:15

4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. (Job 33:5) 5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. 6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. (Job 9:34; Job 13:21) 7 There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge. 8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; (Job 9:11; Job 35:14) 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (Job 9:35; Ps 17:3; Ps 26:2; Ps 66:10; Ps 139:1; Ps 139:23; Ps 139:24; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:3; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:7; Re 3:18)

Job 9:35Ps 17:3Ps 26:2Ps 66:10Ps 139:1Ps 139:23Ps 139:24Zec 13:9Mal 3:3Jas 1:121Pe 1:7Re 3:18

11 My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. (Ps 17:5; Ps 44:18; Ps 125:5) 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. (Ps 119:11; Ps 119:103; Joh 4:32; Joh 4:34)

Ps 119:11Ps 119:103Joh 4:32Joh 4:34

13 But he is unchangeable,^[2] and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. (Job 9:12; Job 12:14; Ps 115:3) 14 For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. (Job 10:13; Job 27:11; 1Th 3:3) 15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. 16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me; (De 20:3; Ps 22:14) 17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness, nor because thick darkness covers my face.