THE BOOK OF JOB

 

Job Chapter 6

1 ¶ Then Job answered and said,

2 If only my grief could be weighed, and my devastation laid with it in the balances!

3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: that is why I have been talking rashly.

4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, and my spirit is drinking up their poison: the terrors of God line themselves up in battle against me.

5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? or the ox low over his fodder?

6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt? or is there any flavor in the white of an egg?

7 In sorrow my food is like loathsome things that my soul refuses to touch.

8 ¶ Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

9 Even that God would decide to destroy me; that he would let loose his power, and cut me off!

10 Then I would yet have comfort; yea, I would leap for joy amid unsparing pain: for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11 What strength do I have, that I should hope? and what is ahead of me, that I should prolong my life?

12 Do I have the strength of stones? or is my body made of brass?

13 Am I not helpless? and without the wisdom I need to get over this?

14 ¶ A friend should show kindness to one who is in despair; lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.

15 My brethren have been as unreliable as a brook, like a seasonal stream that dries up;

16 Like waters that become darkened because of ice, in which the melting snow hides itself:

17 When it grows warm, they vanish: when it is hot, their beds dry up.

18 Caravans turn away from their path; they go into the desert, and dry up.

19 The caravans of Tema looked for them, the merchants of Sheba waited for them.

20 They were ashamed because they had been confident of finding water; they came there, and were frustrated.

21 For now you are useless; you see me brought low, and are afraid.

22 ¶ Did I ever say, Bring me a gift? or, Pay me a bribe from your wealth?

23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of oppressors?

24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand in what way I have erred.

25 How forceful are honest words! but what does your arguing prove?

26 Do you think that you can disprove my words, or that the words of one who is desperate, are as wind?

27 No doubt you would cast lots for an orphan, and make a bargain to sell a friend.

28 Now be content to look at me; that it may be evident to you if I lie.

29 Please change your mind, and let there not be injustice; yea, change your mind, my righteousness is still the issue.

30 Is there wrong in what I say? is my mouth unable to recognize words that are false?