| 1 | But Job, responding, said: |
| 2 | I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance. |
| 3 | Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow. |
| 4 | For the arrows of the Lord are in me, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers against me. |
| 5 | Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger? |
| 6 | Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death? |
| 7 | The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods. |
| 8 | Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect, |
| 9 | and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down? |
| 10 | And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not contradict the words of the Holy One. |
| 11 | For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently? |
| 12 | My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze. |
| 13 | Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me. |
| 14 | He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord. |
| 15 | My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys. |
| 16 | Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them. |
| 17 | At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place. |
| 18 | The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish. |
| 19 | Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while. |
| 20 | They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame. |
| 21 | Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid. |
| 22 | Did I say: "Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?" |
| 23 | or, "Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?" |
| 24 | Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me. |
| 25 | Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me? |
| 26 | You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind. |
| 27 | You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend. |
| 28 | Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie. |
| 29 | Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment. |
| 30 | And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat. |
