Chapter 23

  Then Job answered, and said:  

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  Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is more grievous than my mourning.  

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  Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to his throne?  

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  I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with complaints.  

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  That I might know the words that he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.  

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  I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.  

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  Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to victory.  

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  But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall not understand him.  

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  If to the left hand, what shall I do? I shall not take hold on him: if I turn myself to the right hand, I shall not see him.  

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  But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth through the fire:  

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  My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.  

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  I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.  

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  For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and whatsoever is soul hath desired, that hath he done.  

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  And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like things are also at hand with him.  

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  And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.  

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  God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.  

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  For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over me, neither hath the mist covered my face.  

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