Job 6
1 Then Job replied:
But Job, responding, said:
2 “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.
3 For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
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 Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
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 Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?
6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?
7 My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.
8 If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,
9 that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?
10 It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
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 What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?
12 Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.
13 Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.
14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.
15 But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.
16 darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.
17 but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
20 They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.
21 For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid.
22 Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
Did I say: “Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?”
23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
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. Help me understand how I have erred.
Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.
25 How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?
26 Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.
27 You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.
28 But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.
29 Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.
30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.
