[1] Then Job answered, [2] "Oh that my anguish were weighed, And all my
calamity laid in the balances! [3] For now it would be heavier than the
sand of the seas, Therefore have my words been rash. [4] For the arrows
of the Almighty are within me, My spirit drinks up their poison. The
terrors of God set themselves in array against me. [5] Does the wild donkey
bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? [6] Can that
which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the
white of an egg? [7] My soul refuses to touch them; They are as loathsome
food to me. [8] "Oh that I might have my request; That God would grant
the thing that I long for! [9] Even that it would please God to crush me;
That he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! [10] Be it still my
consolation, Yes, let me exult in pain that doesn`t spare, That I
have not denied the words of the Holy One. [11] What is my strength, that I
should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient? [12] Is my
strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass? [13] Isn`t it
that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me? [14] "To
him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend;
Even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty. [15] My brothers have
dealt deceitfully as a brook, As the channel of brooks that pass away;
[16] Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides
itself: [17] In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are
consumed out of their place. [18] The caravans that travel beside them turn
aside; They go up into the waste, and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema
looked, The companies of Sheba waited for them. [20] They were put to
shame because they had hoped; They came there, and were confounded. [21]
For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid. [22] Did I
say, `Give to me?` Or, `Offer a present for me from your substance?`
[23] Or, `Deliver me from the adversary`s hand?` Or, `Redeem me from the
hand of the oppressors?` [24] "Teach me, and I will hold my peace; Cause
me to understand wherein I have erred. [25] How forcible are words of
uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove? [26] Do you intend
to reprove words, Seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are
as wind? [27] Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, And make
merchandise of your friend. [28] Now therefore be pleased to look at me,
For surely I shall not lie to your face. [29] Please return. Let there be
no injustice; Yes, return again, my cause is righteous. [30] Is there
injustice on my tongue? Can`t my taste discern mischievous things?
