Job 23:1-12

Easy-to-Read Version

² “I am still complaining today.
    I groan because God is still making me suffer.
³ I wish I knew where to find him.
    I wish I knew how to go to where he lives.
⁴ I would present my case to him.
    I would make my arguments to show that I am innocent.
⁵ He could give his response, and I would understand.
    I would listen closely to what he says.
⁶ Would God use his power against me?
    No, he would listen to me!
⁷ Since I am an honest man, he would let me tell my story.
    Then my Judge would set me free!

⁸ “If I go to the east, God is not there.
    If I go to the west, I still don’t see him.
⁹ When he is working in the north, I don’t see him.
    When he turns to the south, I still don’t see him.
¹⁰ But God knows me.
    He is testing me and will see that I am as pure as gold.
¹¹ I have always lived the way God wants.
    I have never stopped following him.
¹² I always obey his commands.
    I love the words from his mouth more than I love my food.