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23:1  Job then answered with these words:
23:2  “My complaint remains bitter; despite my groans, God’s hand lies heavy on me.
23:3  Oh, if only I knew where to find him so that I might discover his dwelling.
23:4  I would present my case before him and state arguments in my defense.
23:5  “Then I would learn what he would answer me, and contemplate his words to me.
23:6  He would not use his power to contend with me; he would only need to consider my arguments.
23:7  There an upright man could reason with him, and I would receive a verdict of acquittal.
23:8  “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I cannot behold him.
23:9  When I seek him in the north, I cannot find him; when I turn to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
23:10  “And yet he is aware of everywhere I go; if he were to test me, I would emerge like pure gold.
23:11  My footsteps have not strayed from the path he established; I have followed his way and never turned aside.
23:12  I have not strayed from the commandments of his lips; I have treasured in my heart the words of his mouth.
23:13  But once he has made a decision, who can oppose him? Whatever he desires, that he does.
23:14  He will not turn aside from what he has planned for me, as is true of all his other decrees.
23:15  “That is why I am in such fear of him; whenever I think of him, I am terrified.
23:16  God has caused my courage to fail; the Almighty has filled me with dread.
23:17  For darkness hides me from him, and obscurity veils his presence from me.