New Living Translation

1 Then Job spoke again: 2 “My complaint today is still a bitter one,<br>and I try hard not to groan aloud.<br> 3 If only I knew where to find God (Elohim),<br>I would go to his court.<br> 4 I would lay out my case<br>and present my arguments.<br> 5 Then I would listen to his reply<br>and understand what he says to me.<br> 6 Would he use his great power to argue with me?<br>No, he would give me a fair hearing.<br> 7 Honest people can reason with him,<br>so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.<br> 8 I go east, but he is not there.<br>I go west, but I cannot find him.<br> 9 I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden.<br>I look to the south, but he is concealed.<br> 10 “But he knows where I am going.<br>And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.<br> 11 For I have stayed on God (Elohim)’s paths;<br>I have followed his ways and not turned aside.<br> 12 I have not departed from his commands,<br>but have treasured his words more than daily food.<br> 13 But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?<br>Whatever he wants to do, he does.<br> 14 So he will do to me whatever he has planned.<br>He controls my destiny.<br> 15 No wonder I am so terrified in his presence.<br>When I think of it, terror grips me.<br> 16 God (Elohim) has made me sick at heart;<br>the Almighty has terrified me.<br> 17 Darkness is all around me;<br>thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.<br>