Job 17
1 My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.
My spirit will be wasted, my days will be shortened, and only the grave will be left for me.
2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not my eye continue in their provocation?
I have not sinned, yet my eye remains in bitterness.
3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?
Free me, O Lord, and set me beside you, and let the hand of anyone you wish fight against me.
4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.
You have set their heart far from discipline; therefore, they will not be praised.
5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
He promises prey to his companions, but the eyes of his sons will grow faint.
6 He hath made me also a byword of the people; and as one before whom men spit.
He has posted me like a proverb to the people, and I am an example in their presence.
7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
My eyesight has been clouded by indignation, and my limbs have been reduced, as if to nothing.
8 Upright men shall be appalled at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
The just will be astounded over this, and the innocent will be stirred up against the hypocrite.
9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
And the just will cling to his way, and clean hands will increase strength.
10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
Therefore, be converted, all of you, and approach, for I do not find in you any wisdom.
11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
My days have passed away; my thoughts have been scattered, tormenting my heart.
12 They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
They have turned night into day, and I hope for light again after the darkness.
If I should wait, the underworld is my house, and in darkness I have spread out my bed. (Sheol h7585)
14 I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
I have said to decay and to worms: “You are my father, my mother, and my sister.”
15 And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
Therefore, where is my expectation now, and who is it that considers my patience?
