< Job 6 >
1 And Job made answer and said,
Then Job replied:
2 If only my passion might be measured, and put into the scales against my trouble!
“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
3 For then its weight would be more than the sand of the seas: because of this my words have been uncontrolled.
For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Ruler of all are present with me, and their poison goes deep into my spirit: his army of fears is put in order against me.
For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the ass of the fields give out his voice when he has grass? or does the ox make sounds over his food?
Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
6 Will a man take food which has no taste without salt? or is there any taste in the soft substance of purslain?
Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 My soul has no desire for such things, they are as disease in my food.
My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 If only I might have an answer to my prayer, and God would give me my desire!
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
9 If only he would be pleased to put an end to me; and would let loose his hand, so that I might be cut off!
that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
10 So I would still have comfort, and I would have joy in the pains of death, for I have not been false to the words of the Holy One.
It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 Have I strength to go on waiting, or have I any end to be looking forward to?
What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh brass?
Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
13 I have no help in myself, and wisdom is completely gone from me.
Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
14 He whose heart is shut against his friend has given up the fear of the Ruler of all.
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My friends have been false like a stream, like streams in the valleys which come to an end:
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
16 Which are dark because of the ice, and the snow falling into them;
darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
17 Under the burning sun they are cut off, and come to nothing because of the heat.
but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
18 The camel-trains go out of their way; they go up into the waste and come to destruction.
Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
19 The camel-trains of Tema were searching with care, the bands of Sheba were waiting for them:
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
20 They were put to shame because of their hope; they came and their hope was gone.
They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
21 So have you now become to me; you see my sad condition and are in fear.
For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
22 Did I say, Give me something? or, Make a payment for me out of your wealth?
Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
23 Or, Get me out of the power of my hater? or, Give money so that I may be free from the power of the cruel ones?
deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
24 Give me teaching and I will be quiet; and make me see my error.
Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
25 How pleasing are upright words! but what force is there in your arguments?
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
26 My words may seem wrong to you, but the words of him who has no hope are for the wind.
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
27 Truly, you are such as would give up the child of a dead man to his creditors, and would make a profit out of your friend.
You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
28 Now then, let your eyes be turned to me, for truly I will not say what is false to your face.
But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
29 Let your minds be changed, and do not have an evil opinion of me; yes, be changed, for my righteousness is still in me.
Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
30 Is there evil in my tongue? is not the cause of my trouble clear to me?
Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?