Job 6:2-30 ▼

2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

3 They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.

4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass? Does the ox low over its fodder?

6 Can anything insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

7 I refuse to touch them; they are like loathsome food to me.

8 Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:

9 Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

10 Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.

11 What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?

12 Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?

13 Have I no helper, and has my good sense deserted me?

14 A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

15 My companions are undependable as a wadi, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;

16 Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,

17 Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.

18 Caravans wander from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.

19 The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;

20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.

21 It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.

22 Have I said, “Give me something, make a bribe on my behalf from your possessions”?

23 Or “Deliver me from the hand of the enemy, redeem me from oppressors”?

24 Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have erred.

25 How painful honest words can be; yet how unconvincing is your argument!

26 Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter over your friend!

28 Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.

29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.

30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?