1Ā Then Job answered,
2Ā āOh that my anguish were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3Ā For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas,
therefore my words have been rash.
4Ā For the arrows of the Almighty are within me.
My spirit drinks up their poison.
The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5Ā Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6Ā Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7Ā My soul refuses to touch them.
They are as loathsome food to me.
8Ā āOh that I might have my request,
that God would grant the thing that I long for,
9Ā even that it would please God to crush me;
that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10Ā Let it still be my consolation,
yes, let me exult in pain that doesnāt spare,
that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11Ā What is my strength, that I should wait?
What is my end, that I should be patient?
12Ā Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh of bronze?
13Ā Isnāt it that I have no help in me,
that wisdom is driven away from me?
14Ā āTo him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend;
even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15Ā My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook,
as the channel of brooks that pass away;
16Ā which are black by reason of the ice,
in which the snow hides itself.
17Ā In the dry season, they vanish.
When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18Ā The caravans that travel beside them turn away.
They go up into the waste, and perish.
19Ā The caravans of Tema looked.
The companies of Sheba waited for them.
20Ā They were distressed because they were confident.
They came there, and were confounded.
21Ā For now you are nothing.
You see a terror, and are afraid.
22Ā Did I ever say, āGive to meā?
or, āOffer a present for me from your substanceā?
23Ā or, āDeliver me from the adversaryās handā?
or, āRedeem me from the hand of the oppressorsā?
24Ā āTeach me, and I will hold my peace.
Cause me to understand my error.
25Ā How forcible are words of uprightness!
But your reproof, what does it reprove?
26Ā Do you intend to reprove words,
since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
27Ā Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless,
and make merchandise of your friend.
28Ā Now therefore be pleased to look at me,
for surely I will not lie to your face.
29Ā Please return.
Let there be no injustice.
Yes, return again.
My cause is righteous.
30Ā Is there injustice on my tongue?
Canāt my taste discern mischievous things?