6
1 Then Job answered:
2 “If only my anguish could be fully weighed, and my calamity placed with it in the balances!
3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas;
that is why my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me;
my spirit drinks their poison.
The terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray over grass, or the ox low over its fodder?
6 Can tasteless food be eaten without salt?
Is there any taste in egg white?
7 My soul refuses to touch them;
they are like loathsome food to me.
8 If only my request would come, and God would grant what I hope for!
9 If only God would be willing to crush me, to loose his hand and cut me off!
10 Then I would still have this comfort—I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain—for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 What strength do I have that I should wait, and what is my end that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones?
Is my flesh bronze?
13 Is not my help within me gone, and resourcefulness driven from me?
14 A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers have been treacherous like a torrent, like the channels of streams that pass away,
16 darkened by ice, where snow lies hidden.
17 When it grows warm, they dry up;
in the heat they vanish from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their way, go up into the wasteland, and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look for them;
the travelers of Sheba hope for them.
20 They are ashamed because they trusted;
they arrive there and are disappointed.
21 For now you are nothing;
you see disaster and are afraid.
22 Did I say, ‘Give me something;
offer a payment for me out of your wealth,
23 deliver me from the hand of the adversary, and redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent;
make me understand where I have gone wrong.
25 How forceful are honest words!
But what does your reproof prove?
26 Do you intend to reprove words and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?
27 You would even cast lots over an orphan and bargain over your friend.
28 Now, please, look at me.
Would I lie to your face?
29 Reconsider, please;
let there be no injustice.
Reconsider again;
my righteousness is at stake.
30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
Can my palate not discern what is perverse?