Chapter 23

  Then Job answered,  

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  'Even today is my complaint rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.  

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  Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!  

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  I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.  

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  I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would tell me.  

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  Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.  

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  There the upright might reason with him, So I should be delivered forever from my judge.  

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  'If I go east, he is not there; If west, I can't find him;  

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  He works to the north, but I can't see him; He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.  

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  But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.  

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  My foot has held fast to his steps. His way have I kept, and not turned aside.  

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  I haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  

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  But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.  

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  For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.  

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  Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.  

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  For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.  

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  Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.  

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