<TITLE>Job 23</TITLE><BR>Job 23<BR>1 Then Job answered and said,<BR>2 Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.<BR>3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!<BR>4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.<BR>5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.<BR>6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.<BR>7 There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.<BR>8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:<BR>9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:<BR>10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.<BR>11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.<BR>12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.<BR>13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.<BR>14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.<BR>15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.<BR>16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:<BR>17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.<BR><BR><BR>