² “Today also my complaint is bitter;^[a]
    his^[b] hand is heavy despite my groaning.^(A)
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
    that I might come even to his dwelling!^(B)
4 I would lay my case before him
    and fill my mouth with arguments.^(C)
5 I would learn what he would answer me
    and understand what he would say to me.
⁶ Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
    No, but he would give heed to me.
⁷ There the upright could reason with him,
    and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.^(D)

⁸ “If I go forward, he is not there;
    or backward, I cannot perceive him;^(E)
9 on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
    I turn^[c] to the right, but I cannot see him.