איוב כג

Job said in reply:

Today again my complaint is bitter;
My strength is spent on account of my groaning.

Would that I knew how to reach [God],
How to get to the heavenly dwelling-place.

I would set out my case,
And fill my mouth with arguments.

I would learn what answers were waiting for me,
And know how the reply would be.

Would [God] contend with me overbearingly?
Surely I would not be accused!

There the upright would be cleared by divine decree,
And I would escape forever from my judge.

But if I go East—[God] is not there;
West—I still appear to be alone;

North—I cannot discern One who is concealed;
South—also there hidden from my sight.

But [God] knows the way I take;
Would it be assayed, I should emerge pure as gold.

I have followed in God’s tracks,
Kept that way without swerving,

I have not deviated from what God’s lips commanded;
I have treasured those words more than my daily bread.

Single-minded, not readily dissuaded,
[God] desires, and it comes to pass.

For this One will bring my term to an end,
But there are many more such who are held in reserve.

Therefore I am terrified at God’s presence;
When I consider, I feel dread.

God has made me fainthearted;
Shaddai has terrified me.

Yet I am not cut off by the darkness;
The thick gloom has been concealed from me.