Job 6

¹ Then Job answered and said:

² Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

³ They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.

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 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?

⁶ Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

⁷ I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

⁸ Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:

⁹ Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

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 What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?

¹² Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?

¹³ Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?

¹⁴ A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

¹⁵ My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;

¹⁶ Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,

¹⁷ Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.

¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.

¹⁹ The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;

²⁰ They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.

²¹ It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.

²² Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,

²³ Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?

²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.

²⁵ How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!

²⁶ Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

²⁷ You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!

²⁸ Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.

²⁹ Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.

³⁰ Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?