Job 6
1 But Job, responding, said:
Then Job replied:
2 I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.
“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
3 Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow.
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 me, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers 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 Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?
Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
6 Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?
Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.
My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
9 and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?
that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
10 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.
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 may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?
What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.
Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
13 Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.
Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
14 He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
16 Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.
darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
17 At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.
but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
18 The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish.
Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
19 Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
20 They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.
They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
21 Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid.
For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
22 Did I say: “Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?”
Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
23 or, “Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?”
deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.
Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
25 Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
26 You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
27 You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.
You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
28 Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.
But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
29 Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.
Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
30 And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.
Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
