Job 6
1 But Job answered and said,
But Job, responding, said:
2 Oh that one would indeed weigh the wrath that is upon me, and take up my griefs in a balance together!
I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.
3 And verily they would be heavier than the sand by the seashore: but, as it seems, my words are vain.
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 Lord are in my body, whose violence drinks up my blood: whenever I am going to speak, they pierce 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 What then? will the wild ass bray for nothing, if he is not seeking food? or again, will the ox low at the manger, when he has a fodder?
Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?
6 Shall bread be eaten without salt? or again, is there taste in empty words?
Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?
7 For my wrath cannot cease; for I perceive my food as the smell of a lion [to be] loathsome.
The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.
8 For oh that he would grant [my desire], and my petition might come, and the Lord would grant my hope!
Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,
9 Let the Lord begin and wound me, but let him not utterly destroy me.
and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?
10 Let the grave be my city, upon the walls of which I have leaped: I will not shrink from it; for I have not denied the holy words of my God.
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 For what is my strength, that I continue? what is my time, that my soul endures?
For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.
13 Or have I not trusted in him? but help is [far] from me.
Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.
14 Mercy has rejected me; and the visitation of the Lord has disregarded me.
He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.
15 My nearest relations have not regarded me; they have passed me by like a failing brook, or like a wave.
My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.
16 They who used to reverence me, now have come against me like snow or congealed ice.
Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.
17 When it has melted at the approach of heat, it is not known what it was.
At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.
18 Thus I also have been deserted of all; and I am ruined, and become an outcast.
The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish.
19 Behold the ways of the Thaemanites, ye that mark the paths of the Sabaeans.
Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
20 They too that trust in cities and riches shall come to shame.
They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.
21 But ye also have come to me without pity; so that beholding my wound ye are afraid.
Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid.
22 What? have I made any demand of you? or do I ask for strength from you,
Did I say: “Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?”
23 to deliver me from enemies, or to rescue me from the hand of the mighty ones?
or, “Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?”
24 Teach ye me, and I will be silent: if in anything I have erred, tell me.
Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.
25 But as it seems, the words of a true man are vain, because I do not ask strength of you.
Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?
26 Neither will your reproof cause me to cease my words, for neither will I endure the sound of your speech.
You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.
27 Even because ye attack the fatherless, and insult your friend.
You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.
28 But now, having looked upon your countenances, I will not lie.
Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.
29 Sit down now, and let there not be unrighteousness; and unite again with the just.
Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.
30 For there is no injustice in my tongue; and does not my throat meditate understanding?
And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.
