1 Then Job answered and said,
2 Yea, I know that pleading is out of my reach; and his hand has been made heavy upon my groaning.
3 Who would then know that I might find him, and come to an end [of the matter]?
4 And I would plead my own cause, and he would fill my mouth with arguments.
5 And I would know the remedies which he would speak to me, and I would perceive what he would tell me.
6 Though he should come on me in [his] great strength, then he would not threaten me;
7 for truth and reproof are from him; and he would bring forth my judgment to an end.
8 For if I shall go first, and exist no longer, still what do I know [concerning] the latter end?
9 When he wrought on the left hand, then I observed [it] not: his right hand shall encompass me but I shall not see [it].
10 For he knows already my way; and he has tried me as gold.
11 And I will go forth according to his commandments, for I have kept his ways; and I shall not turn aside from his commandments,
12 neither shall I transgress; but I have hid his words in my bosom.
13 And if too he has thus judged, who is he that has contradicted, for he has both willed [a thing] and done it.
15 Therefore am I troubled at him; and when I was reproved, I thought of him.
16 But the Lord has softened my heart, and the Almighty has troubled me.
17 For I knew not that darkness would come upon me, and thick darkness has covered [me] before my face.