1 Then Job answered and said: |
2 "Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales! |
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea--Therefore my words have been rash. |
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; My spirit drinks in their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, Or does the ox low over its fodder? |
6 Can flavorless food 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 me the thing that I long for! |
9 That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off! |
10 Then I would still have comfort; Though in anguish, I would exult, He will not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One. |
11 "What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life? |
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze? |
13 Is my help not within me? And is success driven from me? |
14 "To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. |
15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, Like the streams of the brooks that pass away, |
16 Which are dark because of the ice, And into which the snow vanishes. |
17 When it is warm, they cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place. |
18 The paths of their way turn aside, They go nowhere and perish. |
19 The caravans of Tema look, The travelers of Sheba hope for them. |
20 They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused. |
21 For now you are nothing, You see terror and are afraid. |
22 Did I ever say, 'Bring something to me'? Or, 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'? |
23 Or, 'Deliver me from the enemy's hand'? Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of oppressors'? |
24 "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred. |
25 How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove? |
26 Do you intend to rebuke my words, And the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind? |
27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, And you undermine your friend. |
28 Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face. |
29 Yield now, let there be no injustice! Yes, concede, my righteousness still stands! |
30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory? |