Job 6

1But Job answered and said,

2Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!footnote a

3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.footnote b

4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

5Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?footnote c

6Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

7The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.

8Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!footnote d

9Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

10Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

11What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?

12Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?footnote e

13Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?

14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.footnote f

15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

16Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:

17What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.footnote gfootnote hfootnote i

18The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

19The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

20They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

21For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.footnote jfootnote k

22Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?

23Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

25How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

26Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

27Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.footnote l

28Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.footnote m

29Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.footnote n

30Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?footnote o

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

1Then Job replied:

2“If only my grief could be weighedand placed with my calamity on the scales. 3For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me;my spirit drinks in their poison;the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass,or an ox low over its fodder? 6Is tasteless food eaten without salt,or is there flavor in the white of an eggfootnote a? 7My soul refuses to touch them;they are loathsome food to me.

8If only my request were grantedand God would fulfill my hope: 9that God would be willing to crush me,to unleash His hand and cut me off! 10It still brings me comfort,and joy through unrelenting pain,that I have not deniedthe words of the Holy One.

11What strength do I have, that I should still hope?What is my future, that I should be patient? 12Is my strength like that of stone,or my flesh made of bronze? 13Is there any help within menow that success is driven from me?

14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend,even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15But my brothers are as faithless as wadis,as seasonal streams that overflow, 16darkened because of the iceand the inflow of melting snow, 17but ceasing in the dry seasonand vanishing from their channels in the heat.

18Caravans turn aside from their routes;they go into the wasteland and perish. 19The caravans of Tema look for water;the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20They are confounded because they had hoped;their arrival brings disappointment. 21For now you are of no help;you see terror, and you are afraid. 22Have I ever said, ‘Give me something;offer me a bribe from your wealth; 23deliver me from the hand of the enemy;redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?

24Teach me, and I will be silent.Help me understand how I have erred. 25How painful are honest words!But what does your argument prove? 26Do you intend to correct my words,and treat as wind my cry of despair? 27You would even cast lots for an orphanand barter away your friend.

28But now, please look at me.Would I lie to your face? 29Reconsider; do not be unjust.Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. 30Is there iniquity on my tongue?Can my mouth not discern malice?