1But Job answered and said, 2“Oh that my grief and my calamity could be weighed together! 3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore, my words are ineffective. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, my spirit absorbs the poison of it; the terrors of God set themselves in array against me. 5Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? 6Can what is unsavory be eaten without salt? Is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7The things that my soul refused to touch are like loathsome food to me.

8“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for - 9That it would please God to destroy me; that He would take His hand, and cut me off! 10Then I would have comfort; yes, even in my pain. Let Him not spare; for I have not denied nor concealed the words of the Holy One. 11What strength have I left, that I should linger and hope? And what lies ahead, that I should continue my life? 12Do I have the strength and endurance of stones? Or is my flesh like bronze? 13Is it within me to help myself, now that wisdom has been driven quite from me?

14“He that is afflicted and in despair should receive comfort and encouragement from his friend; so that he continues in the fear of the Almighty. 15But my brothers have proven as reliable as a seasonal brook, and like it, it is gone when I need it, 16When darkened by thawing ice, and in which the snow is hidden. 17But when the hot weather comes, they vanish from their place. 18The caravans turn from their way to be refreshed; but there is nothing to drink, and they perish. 19The caravans of Tema looked (for water), the caravans of Sheba waited for them (in vain). 20They were confounded because they had hoped; they came there, and were disappointed. 21For when I need you, you are nothing (like a dried-up stream); you see my anguish, and withdraw from me [Your counsel is as helpful to me as a dry streambed in the heat of summer.]. 22Did I ever say, ‘Bring me something?’ Or, ‘Pay me out of your wealth’? 23Or, ‘Rescue me from the enemy’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the mighty’?

24“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; and show me how I have erred. 25How forcible are honest words! But what does your arguing prove? 26Do you condemn the words and speech of someone that is desperate, and regard it as so much wind? 27Indeed, you would persecute the fatherless, and you dig a pit for your friend.

28But now, please be so kind as to look at me; and for any evidence that I lie to you. 29Return from your skepticism, and assumption of my guilt - for my integrity is at stake. 30Is there any iniquity or malice in my speech? Can I not taste or discern malice?