Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

1But Job, responding, said:

2I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.

3Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow.

4For the arrows of the Lord are in me, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers against me.

5Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?

6Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?

7The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.

8Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,

9and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?

10And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not contradict the words of the Holy One.

11For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?

12My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.

13Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.

14He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.

15My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.

16Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.

17At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.

18The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish.

19Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.

20They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.

21Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid.

22Did I say: “Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?”

23or, “Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?”

24Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.

25Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?

26You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.

27You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.

28Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.

29Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.

30And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.