Job 6

1Then Job answered and said:

2If only my vexation were fully weighed, and my calamity were placed with it on the scales.

3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words are rash.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God array themselves against me.

5Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass, or does an ox low when it has fodder?

6Can tasteless food be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of mallow?

7I refuse to touch such things; they are like sickening food to me.

8If only my request would be granted, and God would give me what I hope for:

9that God would be willing to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off.

10This would still be my comfort, and I would exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11What strength do I have, that I should keep hoping? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

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

13Is it not that I have no help within me, and has sound wisdom been driven from me?

14Kindness from his friend is due to one who is despairing, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15My brothers have dealt treacherously like a wadi, like the channels of wadis that overflow,

16which are dark with ice, and snow hides itself on them.

17When they grow warm, they vanish; in the heat, they disappear from their place.

18The paths of their course wind away; they go up into wasteland and perish.

19The caravans of Tema looked; the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.

20They were disappointed because they had trusted; they came to it and were put to shame.

21For now you have become nothing; you see terror, and you are afraid.

22Have I ever said, ‘Give me,’ or, ‘Pay a bribe for me out of your resources,’

23or, ‘Deliver me from the hand of the adversary,’ and ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’?”

24Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.

25How forceful are upright words! But what does your reproof prove?

26Do you intend to reprove words and treat a despairing man’s words as wind?

27You would even cast lots over the fatherless and bargain over your friend.

28But now, please turn to me; would I lie to your face?

29Please reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider again: I am still in the right.

30Is there injustice on my tongue? Does my palate not discern calamities?