Job Responds: He Longs for God

1Then Job answered and said,

2Yea, I know that pleading is out of my reach; and his hand has been made heavy upon my groaning.

3Who would then know that I might find him, and come to an end of the matter?

4And I would plead my own cause, and he would fill my mouth with arguments.

5And I would know the remedies which he would speak to me, and I would perceive what he would tell me.

6Though he should come on me in his great strength, then he would not threaten me;

7for truth and reproof are from him; and he would bring forth my judgment to an end.

8For if I shall go first, and exist no longer, still what do I know concerning the latter end?

9When he wrought on the left hand, then I observed it not: his right hand shall encompass me but I shall not see it.

10For he knows already my way; and he has tried me as gold.

11And I will go forth according to his commandments, for I have kept his ways; and I shall not turn aside from his commandments,

12neither shall I transgress; but I have hid his words in my bosom.

13And if too he has thus judged, who is he that has contradicted, for he has both willed a thing and done it.

15Therefore am I troubled at him; and when I was reproved, I thought of him. Therefore let me take good heed before him: I will consider, and be afraid of him.

16But the Lord has softened my heart, and the Almighty has troubled me.

17For I knew not that darkness would come upon me, and thick darkness has covered me before my face.