1But Job answered and said,
2"Oh that my grief could be fully weighed, and my trouble laid in the scales with it!"
3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea. That is why my words are swallowed up.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; their poison drinks up my spirit. The terrors of God are lined up against me.
5Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass? Does the ox low over its fodder?
6Can food without flavour be eaten without salt? Is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7The things my soul refused to touch are now my sorrowful food.
8Oh that I might have what I ask for, and that God would grant me the thing I long for!
9Even this: that God would be willing to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off.
10Then I would still have comfort. Yes, I would harden myself in my pain. Let him not spare me, for I have not hidden the words of the Holy One.
11What is my strength, that I should hope? What is my end, that I should make my life last longer?
12Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh made of bronze?
13Is my help not in me? Has wisdom been driven right away from me?
14A man who is suffering should be shown pity by his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15My brothers have dealt falsely with me, like a brook, like streams that flow away.
16They are dark with ice, and the snow is hidden in them.
17When they grow warm, they vanish. When it is hot, they are gone from their place.
18The paths of their course turn aside; they go off into nothing and perish.
19The travelling companies of Tema looked for them; the caravans of Sheba waited for them.
20They were dismayed because they had hoped; they came there, and were put to shame.
21For now you are nothing. You see my ruin, and you are afraid.
22Did I say, 'Bring something to me'? Or, 'Give a gift for me out of your wealth'?
23Or, 'Rescue me from the enemy's hand'? Or, 'Set me free from the hand of the mighty'?
24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue. Make me understand where I have gone wrong.
25How strong are honest words! But what does your arguing prove?
26Do you plan to correct my words, and treat the speech of a desperate man as wind?
27Yes, you would cast lots over the fatherless, and dig a pit for your friend.
28So now be willing to look at me, for I would not lie to your face.
29Turn back, I beg you; let there be no injustice. Yes, turn back again; my righteousness still stands.
30"Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my taste not tell what is wrong?"