Job 6
1 But Job answered and said,
Then Job replied:
2 Oh that one would indeed weigh the wrath that is upon me, and take up my griefs in a balance together!
“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
3 And verily they would be heavier than the sand by the seashore: but, as it seems, my words are vain.
For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
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 Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed 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?
Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
6 Shall bread be eaten without salt? or again, is there taste in empty words?
Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 For my wrath can’t cease; for I perceive my food as the smell of a lion [to be] loathsome.
My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 For oh that he would grant [my desire], and my petition might come, and the Lord would grant my hope!
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
9 Let the Lord begin and wound me, but let him not utterly destroy me.
that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
10 Let the grave be my city, upon the walls of which I have leapt: I will not shrink from it; for I have not denied the holy words of my God.
It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 For what is my strength, that I continue? what is my time, that my soul endures?
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 of brass?
Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
13 Or have I not trusted in him? but help is [far] from me.
Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
14 Mercy has rejected me; and the visitation of the Lord has disregarded me.
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My nearest relations have not regarded me; they have passed me by like a failing brook, or like a wave.
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
16 They who used to reverence me, now have come against me like snow or congealed ice.
darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
17 When it has melted at the approach of heat, it is not known what it was.
but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
18 Thus I also have been deserted of all; and I am ruined, and become an outcast.
Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
19 Behold the ways of the Thaemanites, you that mark the paths of the Sabaeans.
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
20 They too that trust in cities and riches shall come to shame.
They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
21 But you also have come to me without pity; so that beholding my wound you are afraid.
For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
22 What? have I made any demand of you? or do I ask for strength from you,
Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
23 to deliver me from enemies, or to rescue me from the hand of the mighty ones?
deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
24 Teach you me, and I will be silent: if in anything I have erred, tell me.
Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
25 But as it seems, the words of a true man are vain, because I do not ask strength of you.
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
26 Neither will your reproof cause me to cease my words, for neither will I endure the sound of your speech.
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
27 Even because you attack the fatherless, and insult your friend.
You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
28 But now, having looked upon your countenances, I will not lie.
But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
29 Sit down now, and let there not be unrighteousness; and unite again with the just.
Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
30 For there is no injustice in my tongue; and does not my throat meditate understanding?
Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
