| 1 | Then Job answered, |
| 2 | "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters! |
| 3 | Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? |
| 4 | I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you, |
| 5 | but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you. |
| 6 | "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased? |
| 7 | But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company. |
| 8 | You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. |
| 9 | He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. |
| 10 | They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. |
| 11 | God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. |
| 12 | I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target. |
| 13 | His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground. |
| 14 | He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant. |
| 15 | I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust. |
| 16 | My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids. |
| 17 | Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. |
| 18 | "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest. |
| 19 | Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high. |
| 20 | My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God, |
| 21 | that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor! |
| 22 | For when a few years have come, I shall go the way of no return. |
