Job 17
1 My spirit will be wasted, my days will be shortened, and only the grave will be left for me.
I perish, carried away by the wind, and I seek for burial, and obtain [it] not.
2 I have not sinned, yet my eye remains in bitterness.
Weary I intreat; and what have I done? and strangers have stolen my goods.
3 Free me, O Lord, and set me beside you, and let the hand of anyone you wish fight against me.
Who is this? let him join hands with me.
4 You have set their heart far from discipline; therefore, they will not be praised.
For thou hast hid their heart from wisdom; therefore thou shalt not exalt them.
5 He promises prey to his companions, but the eyes of his sons will grow faint.
He shall promise mischief to [his] companions: but [their] eyes have failed for [their] children.
6 He has posted me like a proverb to the people, and I am an example in their presence.
But thou has made me a byword amount the nations, and I am become a scorn to them.
7 My eyesight has been clouded by indignation, and my limbs have been reduced, as if to nothing.
For my eyes are dimmed through pain; I have been grievously beset by all.
8 The just will be astounded over this, and the innocent will be stirred up against the hypocrite.
Wonder has seized true men upon this; and let the just rise up against the transgressor.
9 And the just will cling to his way, and clean hands will increase strength.
But let the faithful hold on his own way, and let him that is pure of hands take courage.
10 Therefore, be converted, all of you, and approach, for I do not find in you any wisdom.
Howbeit, do ye all strengthen [yourselves] and come now, for I do not find truth in you.
11 My days have passed away; my thoughts have been scattered, tormenting my heart.
My days have passed in groaning, and my heart-strings are broken.
12 They have turned night into day, and I hope for light again after the darkness.
I have turned the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
13 If I should wait, the underworld is my house, and in darkness I have spread out my bed. (Sheol h7585)
For if I remain, Hades is my habitation: and my bed has been made in darkness. (Sheol h7585)
14 I have said to decay and to worms: “You are my father, my mother, and my sister.”
I have called upon death to be my father, and corruption [to be] my mother and sister.
15 Therefore, where is my expectation now, and who is it that considers my patience?
Where then is yet my hope? or [where] shall I see my good?
