1: Job replied:
2: "I'm not letting up--I'm standing my ground. My complaint is legitimate. God has no right to treat me like this--it isn't fair!
3: If I knew where on earth to find him, I'd go straight to him.
4: I'd lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand.
5: I'd find out exactly what he's thinking, discover what's going on in his head.
6: Do you think he'd dismiss me or bully me? No, he'd take me seriously.
7: He'd see a straight--living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.
8: "I travel East looking for him--I find no one; then West, but not a trace;
9: I go North, but he's hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse.
10: "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors.
11: I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.
12: I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice--I've treasured it.
13: "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.
14: He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do.
15: Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him? Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again.
16: God makes my heart sink! God Almighty gives me the shudders!
17: I'm completely in the dark, I can't see my hand in front of my face.