Job 6

Job Replies: My Complaint is Just

1 Then Job replied: 2 “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. 3 For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder? 6 Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg? 7 My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. 8 If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: 9 that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! 10 It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11 What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? 12 Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? 13 [Is] there any help within me, now that success is driven from me? 14 A despairing man [should have] the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 [But] my brothers are as faithless as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow, 16 darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, 17 but ceasing in the dry season [and] vanishing from their channels in the heat. 18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema look [for water] ; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20 They are confounded by their confidence; their arrival brings disappointment. 21 For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. 22 Have I ever said: ‘Give me something ; offer me a bribe from your wealth; 23 ‘deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? 24 Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. 25 How painful [are] honest words! But what does your argument prove? 26 Do you intend to correct my words, and treat the speech of a desperate man as wind? 27 You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. 28 But now, please look at me; would I lie to your face? 29 Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. 30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?