1Then Job answered and said:
2“Oh that my vexation could be truly weighed, and my calamity laid together on the scales!
3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words have been rash.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, whose poison my spirit drinks; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5Does a wild donkey bray over grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
6Can what is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the juice of the mallow?
7My throat refuses to touch them; they are like loathsome food to me.
8Oh that my request might come, and that God would grant my hope!
9That God would be willing to crush me, that he would loose his hand and cut me off!
10Then this would still be my comfort—and I would exult in unsparing anguish—that I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh bronze?
13Is there indeed no help within me, and has sound wisdom been driven from me?
14To the despairing, loyal love from his friend—even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15My brothers have dealt treacherously like a wadi, like the channel of streams that pass away,
16which run dark with ice, upon which the snow hides itself.
17In the time they flow away, they vanish; when it is hot, they are extinguished from their place.
18The paths of their course wind about; they go up into the wasteland and perish.
19The caravans of Tema looked, the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20They were put to shame because they had trusted; they came up to it and were confounded.
21For now you have become like it; you see a terror and are afraid.
22Have I said, ‘Give me something,’ or ‘From your wealth offer a bribe on my behalf,’
23or ‘Deliver me from the hand of an adversary,’ or ‘Ransom me from the hand of tyrants’?
24Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand where I have gone astray.
25How painful are honest words! But what does your reproof reprove?
26Do you intend to reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is but wind?
27You would even cast lots over an orphan and bargain over your friend.
28But now, be willing to look at me; for I will surely not lie to your face.
29Turn back, please; let there be no injustice. Turn back—my righteousness still stands in it.
30Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern ruinous things?
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