Job 06
Job Justifies His Complaints
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 Oh, that my grief were fairly weighed in the balances!
3 For indeed it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words have been heedless.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, and their fiery poison my spirit drinks; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when it is in the grass? Or does the ox low when it is in its fodder?
6 Or can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? Or is there taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch your words; they are like my loathsome food.
8 Oh that my desire might be fulfilled, that God might give me what I hope for!
9 Oh that God would break me, and would loosen his hand, and make an end of me!
10 This would still be my comfort, and would refresh me in my torment, if he did not spare me, because I did not reject the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should hope? or what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stone? or is my flesh brass?
13 Is my help in me? Has not all effective help forsaken me?
14 A friend should show compassion to one who is afflicted, even to one who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers have dealt treacherously with me, like a brook, like the torrent of brooks that pass by.
16 Which are covered with frost, and the snow hides in them.
17 In the time when they melt with heat, they vanish; when they are heated, they vanish from their place.
18 The paths of their ways are turned aside; they go up into the void, and perish.
19 The travelers of Tema see them; the travelers of Seba look upon them.
20 They were put to shame because they trusted; and when they came there, they were confounded.
21 Now you are like them; you have seen the terror, and are afraid.
22 I said to you, "Give me or offer me gifts of your wealth?"
23 Or deliver me from the hand of the oppressor? Or redeem me from the hand of the oppressor?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent; and show me wherein I have erred.
25 Oh, how strong are the words of sound reason! But what is it that rebukes your argument?
26 Will you seek words to rebuke me, since the reasons for despair are like wind?
27 But you cast lots for the fatherless, and you speculate with your friend.
28 Now therefore, if you are served, look at me; and see if I lie before you.
29 Return, then, so that there is no iniquity; return, for my cause is right.
30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Or can not my palate express my miseries?