1And Iyoḇ answered and said,

2“Oh, that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity be placed on the scales!

3For it would outweigh the sand of the sea, therefore my words have been rash.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, my spirit drinks in their poison, the onslaughts of Eloah are arrayed against me.

5Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, or does the ox bellow over its fodder?

6Is tasteless food eaten without salt? Is there any flavour in the juice of mallows?

7I refuse to touch it, they are like food when I am sick.

8Oh that I might have my desire, that Eloah would grant me what I long for!

9That it would please Eloah to crush me, loose His hand and cut me off!

10Then I would still have comfort, and I would rejoice in pain, though not spared, for I have not hidden the words of the Set-apart One.

11What strength do I have, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

12Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh of bronze?

13Is my help not within me? And is ability driven from me?

14To a despiser of friends: shame! For he is forsaking the fear of the Almighty.

15My brothers are as undependable as a wadi, as a bed on which streams once ran,

16which are dark because of the ice, in which the snow is hidden.

17When it is warm, they cease to flow; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

18The paths of their way turn aside, they enter wastes and perish.

19Passengers of Tĕma looked expectantly, travellers of Sheḇa waited for them.

20They were ashamed because they had trusted, they came there and were disappointed.

21Indeed, you have now become the same! You see my downfall and are afraid.

22Did I ever say, ‘Give to me’? or, ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth’?

23or, ‘Rescue me from the hand of the enemy?’ or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of oppressors’?

24Teach me, and I shall be silent. And show me where I have gone astray.

25Words of uprightness are harsh! But what does your reproving reprove?

26Do you reckon to reprove my words, and the sayings of one in despair, which are as wind?

27You would cast lots over the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend!

28But now, please look at me – whether I would lie to your face.

29Relent, please, let there be no unrighteousness. Relent! My righteousness is still in it.

30Is there unrighteousness on my tongue? Does my taste not discern what is perverse?