Job 16:1-13 ▼

1 In response, Job said:

2 |I've heard many things like this. What miserable comforters you all are!

3 Will windy words like yours never end? What is upsetting you that you keep on arguing?

4 |I could also talk like you if only you were in my place! Then I would put together an argument against you. I would shake my head at you

5 and encourage you with what I have to say; my words of comfort would lessen your pain.

6 |But if I speak, my pain isn't assuaged; if I refrain from speaking, what do I have to lose?|

7 |God has certainly worn me out; you devastated my entire world.

8 You've arrested me, making me testify against myself! My leanness rises up to attack me, accusing me to my face.

9 His anger tears me in his persistent resentment against me; he gnashes his teeth at me. My adversary glares at me.

10 People gaped at me with mouths wide open; they slap me in their scorn and gather together against me.

11 God has delivered me over to the ungodly, throwing me into the control of the wicked.

12 |He tore me apart when I was at ease; grabbing me by my neck, he shook me to pieces— then he really made me his target.

13 His archers surround me, slashing open my kidneys without pity; he pours out my gall on the ground.