2Ah, could my anguish but be measured

and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

3They would now outweigh the sands of the sea!

Because of this I speak without restraint.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me,a

and my spirit drinks in their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass?*

Does the ox low over its fodder?

6Can anything insipid be eaten without salt?

Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

7I refuse to touch them;

they are like loathsome food to me.

8Oh, that I might have my request,

and that God would grant what I long for:

9Even that God would decide to crush me,

that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

10Then I should still have consolation

and could exult through unremitting pain,

because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.

11What strength have I that I should endure,

and what is my limit that I should be patient?

12Have I the strength of stones,

or is my flesh of bronze?

13Have I no helper,b

and has my good sense deserted me?

14A friend owes kindness to one in despair,

though he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

15My companions are undependable as a wadi,

as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;

16Though they may be black with ice,

and with snow heaped upon them,

17Yet once they flow, they cease to be;

in the heat, they disappear from their place.

18Caravans wander from their routes;

they go into the wasteland and perish.

19The caravans of Tema* search,

the companies of Sheba have hopes;

20They are disappointed, though they were confident;

they come there and are frustrated.

21It is thus that you have now become for me;*

you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.

22Have I said, “Give me something,

make a bribe on my behalf from your possessions”?

23Or “Deliver me from the hand of the enemy,

redeem me from oppressors”?

24Teach me, and I will be silent;

make me understand how I have erred.

25How painful honest words can be;

yet how unconvincing is your argument!

26Do you consider your words as proof,

but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

27You would even cast lots for the orphan,

and would barter over your friend!

28Come, now, give me your attention;

surely I will not lie to your face.

29Think it over; let there be no injustice.

Think it over; I still am right.

30Is there insincerity on my tongue,

or cannot my taste discern falsehood?