Job 6
1 Then Job replied:
Then answered Job, and said,
2 “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
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 then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
For now it is already heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore are my words confused.
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 Almighty are within me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh it: the terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5 Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
Doth the wild ass bray over the grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?
6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
Is ever tasteless food eaten without salt? or is there any flavor in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
My soul refuseth to touch them: they are unto me like disgusting food.
8 If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
Oh that some one would grant the accomplishment of my request; and that God would grant me the fulfillment of my hope!
9 that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
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 It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
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 strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
What is my strength, that I should wait? and what my end, that I should yet longer retain my patience?
12 Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
Is the strength of stones my strength? or is my flesh brazen?
13 Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
Truly, am I not without my help in me? and is not wise counsel driven far away from me?
14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
As though I were one who refuseth kindness to his friend, and forsaketh the fear of the Almighty:
15 But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
My brothers are treacherous as a brook, like flowing brooks they pass along;
16 darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
Which are made turbid by reason of the ice, wherein the snow hideth itself;
17 but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
At the time when they feel the warmth, they vanish; when it is hot, they are quenched out of their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
The paths of their course wind themselves along; they go in the wilderness and are lost.
19 The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
The caravans of Thema look hither, the travelling companies Sheba hope for them;
20 They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
But they stand ashamed because they had trusted; they come thither and are made to blush.
21 For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
For truly now ye are like such a one: ye see my terrible state and are afraid.
22 Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
Have I then ever said, Give me something, and out of your property offer a bribe in my behalf?
23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
And deliver me from the hand of the adversary? and redeem from the hand of tyrants?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
Teach me, and I will indeed remain silent; and wherein I erred give me to understand.
25 How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
How pleasant are straightforward words! but what doth arguing prove?
26 Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
Do ye think to reprove words, and [to regard] as wind the speeches of one that is despairing?
27 You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
Yea, ye would cast any thing upon the fatherless, and ye would dig a pit against your friend.
28 But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
But now, if it please you, turn yourselves toward me, and [say] whether I would lie before your face.
29 Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
Reflect again, I pray you, there will be no wrong: yea, reflect once more, my righteousness [will be found] therein.
30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
Is there any wrong on my tongue? or should my palate not understand [if I spoke] what is iniquitous?
