- 1Then Job answered,
- 2“Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
- 3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.
- 4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
- 5Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
- 6Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
- 7My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.
- 8“Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,
- 9even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
- 10Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
- 11What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?
- 12Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?
- 13Isn’t it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me?
- 14“To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
- 15My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;
- 16Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.
- 17In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
- 18The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.
- 19The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.
- 20They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.
- 21For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.
- 22Did I say, ‘Give to me?’ or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance?’
- 23or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand?’ or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?’
- 24“Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
- 25How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
- 26Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
- 27Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.
- 28Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face.
- 29Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.
- 30Is there injustice on my tongue? Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?