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