Job 6:1–30

¹ Then Job replied: ² “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. ³ For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. ⁴ For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. ⁵ Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder? ⁶ Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ? ⁷ My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. ⁸ If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: ⁹ that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! ¹⁰ It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. ¹¹ What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? ¹² Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? ¹³ Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? ¹⁴ A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. ¹⁵ But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, ¹⁶ darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, ¹⁷ but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. ¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. ¹⁹ The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. ²⁰ They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. ²¹ For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. ²² Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; ²³ deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? ²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. ²⁵ How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? ²⁶ Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? ²⁷ You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. ²⁸ But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? ²⁹ Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. ³⁰ Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?