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1 Then answered Job, and said, 2 Oh that my vexation could be truly weighed, and my calamity; oh that men might lift it up in the balances at once! 3 For now it is already heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore are my words confused. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh it: the terrors of God set themselves in array against me. 5 Doth the wild ass bray over the grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? 6 Is ever tasteless food eaten without salt? or is there any flavor in the white of an egg? 7 My soul refuseth to touch them: they are unto me like disgusting food. 8 Oh that some one would grant the accomplishment of my request; and that God would grant me the fulfillment of my hope! 9 Yea, that it would please God that he might crush me: that he would let loose his hand, and make an end of me! 10 Then would this be still my comfort; yea, I would rejoice in my pain while be would not spare: that I have not gainsaid the commands of the Holy One.— 11 What is my strength, that I should wait? and what my end, that I should yet longer retain my patience? 12 Is the strength of stones my strength? or is my flesh brazen? 13 Truly, am I not without my help in me? and is not wise counsel driven far away from me? 14 As though I were one who refuseth kindness to his friend, and forsaketh the fear of the Almighty: 15 My brothers are treacherous as a brook, like flowing brooks they pass along; 16 Which are made turbid by reason of the ice, wherein the snow hideth itself; 17 At the time when they feel the warmth, they vanish; when it is hot, they are quenched out of their place. 18 The paths of their course wind themselves along; they go in the wilderness and are lost. 19 The caravans of Thema look hither, the travelling companies Sheba hope for them; 20 But they stand ashamed because they had trusted; they come thither and are made to blush. 21 For truly now ye are like such a one: ye see my terrible state and are afraid. 22 Have I then ever said, Give me something, and out of your property offer a bribe in my behalf? 23 And deliver me from the hand of the adversary? and redeem from the hand of tyrants? 24 Teach me, and I will indeed remain silent; and wherein I erred give me to understand. 25 How pleasant are straightforward words! but what doth arguing prove? 26 Do ye think to reprove words, and [to regard] as wind the speeches of one that is despairing? 27 Yea, ye would cast any thing upon the fatherless, and ye would dig a pit against your friend. 28 But now, if it please you, turn yourselves toward me, and [say] whether I would lie before your face. 29 Reflect again, I pray you, there will be no wrong: yea, reflect once more, my righteousness [will be found] therein. 30 Is there any wrong on my tongue? or should my palate not understand [if I spoke] what is iniquitous?