Job 6

CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 But Job, responding, said:	1 Then Job answered and said:
2 I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.	2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,
3 Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so 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, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers 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 has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?	5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?
6 Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?	6 Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.	7 I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,	8 Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:
9 and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?	9 Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!
10 And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not 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 may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?	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 made of bronze.	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13 Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.	13 Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?
14 He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons 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 disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.	15 My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;
16 Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.	16 Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,
17 At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from 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 will walk in vain and will 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 have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.	20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.
21 Now you have arrived, and merely by 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 to me from your necessities?”	22 Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,
23 or, “Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?”	23 Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.	24 Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.
25 Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?	25 How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!
26 You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.	26 Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?
27 You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.	27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!
28 Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.	28 Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.
29 Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.	29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.
30 And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.	30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?