Job Speaks

1But Job answered and said,

2Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!

3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison thereof drinks up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

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

6Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

7The things that my soul refused to touch are as loathsome food to me.

8Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

9Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

10Then should I still have comfort; yea, I would exult myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

11What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

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

13Is not my help within me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?

14To him that is afflicted pity should be shown from his friend; even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks that pass away;

16Which are black by reason of the ice, and in which the snow is hid:

17At what time they become warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they vanish out of their place.

18The paths of their way turn aside; they go nowhere, and perish.

19The caravans of Tema looked, the travelers of Sheba waited for them.

20They were disappointed because they had confidence; they came there, and were confused.

21For now you are nothing; you see my terror, and are afraid.

22Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

23Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand how I have erred.

25How forceful are right words! but what does your arguing prove?

26Do you intend to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

27Yea, you overwhelm the fatherless, and you dig a pit for your friend.

28Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.

29Return, I pray you, let it not be injustice; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.

30Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?