Job 6

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 But Job answered, and said:	1 Then Job answered and said:
2 O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, and the calamity that I suffer, were weighed in a balance.	2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,
3 As the sand of the sea this would appear heavier: therefore my words are full of sorrow :	3 They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.
4 For the arrows of the Lord are in me, the rage whereof drinketh up my spirit, and the terrors of the Lord war against me.	4 For the arrows of the Almighty pierce me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Will the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or will the ox low when he standeth before a full manger?	5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?
6 Or can an unsavoury thing be eaten, that is not seasoned with salt? or can a man taste that which when tasted bringeth death?	6 Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 The things which before my soul would not touch, now, through anguish are my meats.	7 I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 Who will grant that my request may come: and that God may give me what I look for?	8 Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:
9 And that he that hath begun may destroy me, that he may let loose his hand, and cut me off?	9 Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!
10 And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I contradict the words of the Holy One.	10 Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.
11 For what is my strength, that I can hold out? or what is my end that I should keep patience?	11 What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?
12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.	12 Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?
13 Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.	13 Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?
14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.	14 A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.	15 My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;
16 They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.	16 Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,
17 At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot they shall be melted out of their place.	17 Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.
18 The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.	18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.
19 Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.	19 The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;
20 They are confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.	20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.
21 Now you are come: and now seeing my affliction you are afraid.	21 It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.
22 Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?	22 Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,
23 Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?	23 Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?
24 Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant in any thing, instruct me.	24 Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.
25 Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?	25 How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!
26 You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.	26 Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?
27 You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.	27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!
28 However finish what you have begun, give ear, and see whether I lie.	28 Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.
29 Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.	29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.
30 And you shall not And iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.	30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?