8Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! 9Even that it would please God to destroy me; that He would take His hand, and cut me off! 10Then would I have comfort; yea, even in my pain. Let Him not spare; for I have not denied nor concealed the words of the Holy One. 11What strength have I left, that I should linger and hope? And what lies ahead, that I should continue my life? 12Do I have the strength and endurance of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze? 13Is it that my help is not within me? And that wisdom has been driven quite from me?

14He that is afflicted and in despair should receive comfort and encouragement from his friend; so that he continues in the fear of the Almighty. 15My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; 16Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and in which the snow is hidden. 17When they become warm, they are silent; when it is hot, they vanish from their place. 18The paths of their way wind along; they go to nothing, and perish. [Your counsel is as helpful to me as a dry streambed in the heat of summer.] 19The caravans of Tema looked (for water), the caravans of Sheba waited for them (in vain). 20They were confounded because they had hoped; they came there, and were ashamed. 21For when I need you, you are nothing (like a dried-up stream); you see my anguish, and withdraw from me. 22Did I ever say, ‘Bring me something?’ Or, ‘Pay me out of your wealth’? 23Or, ‘Rescue me from the enemy’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the mighty’?

24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; and show me how I have erred. 25How forcible are honest words! But what does your arguing prove? 26Do you condemn the words and speech of someone that is desperate, and regard it as so much wind? 27Yea, you would persecute the fatherless, and you dig a pit for your friend.

28Now, therefore, please look at me; and for any evidence that I lie to you. 29Return, I pray you, from your skepticism; and let there be justice; yea, return, for my integrity is still in my words. 30Is there iniquity or malice in my speech? Can I not taste or discern iniquity?