Job wishes to be tried at God's tribunal.
23:1. Then Job answered, and said:
23:2. Now also my words are in bitterness, and the hand of my scourge is
more grievous than my mourning.
23:3. Who will grant me that I might know and find him, and come even to
his throne?
23:4. I would set judgment before him, and would fill my mouth with
complaints.
23:5. That I might know the words that he would answer me, and
understand what he would say to me.
23:6. I would not that he should contend with me with much strength, nor
overwhelm me with the weight of his greatness.
23:7. Let him propose equity against me, and let my judgment come to
victory.
23:8. But if I go to the east, he appeareth not; if to the west, I shall
not understand him.
23:9. 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.
23:10. But he knoweth my way, and has tried me as gold that passeth
through the fire:
23:11. My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have
not declined from it.
23:12. I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the
words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.
23:13. For he is alone, and no man can turn away his thought: and
whatsoever his soul hath desired, that hath he done.
23:14. And when he shall have fulfilled his will in me, many other like
things are also at hand with him.
23:15. And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider
him I am made pensive with fear.
23:16. God hath softened my heart, and the Almighty hath troubled me.
23:17. For I have not perished because of the darkness that hangs over
me, neither hath the mist covered my face.