Job 6
1 Job replied:
2 “If only my anguish could be weighed, and my calamity placed on the scales alongside it!
3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; that is why my words have come out in a rush.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, and my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass? Does the ox bellow when it has fodder?
6 Can tasteless food be eaten without salt? Is there any flavor in the slime of the mallow?
7 I refuse to touch them; they are like food that makes me sick.
8 If only my request would be granted, and God would give me what I hope for!
9 If only God would be willing to crush me, let go of his hand, and cut me off!
10 That would still be my comfort, and I would leap for joy amid merciless pain, for I have not hidden the words of the Holy One.”
11 “What strength do I have, that I should hope? What end awaits me, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh made of bronze?
13 Is it not true that I have no help within me, and that sound judgment has been driven away from me?
14 Loyal love is due from a friend to one who is fainting, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers have betrayed me like a stream, like channels of streams that run dry.
16 They are dark with ice, and snow hides within them.
17 When they warm, they vanish; in the heat, they disappear from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go up into the wasteland and are lost.
19 The caravans of Tema looked for them; the companies of Sheba waited for them.
20 They were ashamed because they had trusted; they arrived there and were disappointed.”
21 “Now you have become like that to him: you see the terror and are afraid.
22 Did I say, ‘Give me something,’ or ‘Pay a bribe on my behalf from your wealth’?
23 Or, ‘Rescue me from the adversary’s hand,’ and ‘Redeem me from the hand of tyrants’?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent; help me understand where I have gone wrong.
25 How painful truthful words can be! But what does your rebuke prove?
26 Do you mean to rebuke words and treat the speech of a desperate man as wind?
27 You would even cast lots over an orphan and bargain over your own friend.
28 Now please look at me: I will not lie to your face.
29 Turn back; let there be no injustice. Turn back once more: my case is just.
30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern calamity?”
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