8 “Look,^a I go forward, but He is not there,
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; ‡

9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;
When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.

10 But ^aHe knows the way that I take;
When ^bHe has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. ‡

11 ^aMy foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and not turned aside. ‡

12 I have not departed from the ^acommandment of His lips;
^bI have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my¹ necessary food. ‡

13 “But He is unique, and who can make Him change?
And whatever ^aHis soul desires, that He does. ‡

14 For He performs what is ^aappointed for me,
And many such things are with Him. ‡