Job 6
1 Then Job replied:
But Job answered, and said:
2 “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, and the calamity that I suffer, were weighed in a balance.
3 For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
As the sand of the sea this would appear heavier: therefore 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, the rage whereof drinketh up my spirit, and the terrors of the Lord war 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 hath grass? or will the ox low when he standeth before a full manger?
6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
Or can an unsavoury thing be eaten, that is not seasoned with salt? or can a man taste that which when tasted bringeth death?
7 My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
The things which before my soul would not touch, now, through anguish are my meats.
8 If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
Who will grant that my request may come: and that God may give me what I look for?
9 that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
And that he that hath begun may destroy me, that he may let loose his hand, and cut me off?
10 It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I 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 can hold out? or what is my end that I should keep patience?
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 of brass.
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 familiar friends also are departed from me.
14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
15 But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
16 darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.
17 but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot they shall be melted out of their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall 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 are confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.
21 For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
Now you are come: and now 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 me of your substance?
23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant in any thing, instruct me.
25 How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?
26 Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.
27 You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.
28 But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
However finish what you have begun, give ear, and see whether I lie.
29 Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.
30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
And you shall not And iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.
