[1] Then Job replied to his friends, [2] "I have heard many things like this before. You are all pathetic at comforting me. [3] Will your long-winded speeches never end? What disturbs you that you keep on answering me? [4] I, too, could speak like you if we could trade places. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you. [5] I could encourage you with my mouth, and my quivering lips could ease your pain. [6] If I speak, my pain is not eased. If I stop talking, how much of it will go away? [7] "But now, God has worn me out. You, God, have destroyed everyone who supports me. [8] You have shriveled me up, which itself is a witness against me. My frail body rises up and testifies against me. [9] "God's anger tore me apart and attacked me. He gritted his teeth at me. My opponent looked sharply at me. [10] People gaped at me with wide-open mouths. In scorn they slapped my cheeks. They united against me. [11] God handed me over to unjust people and threw me into the hands of wicked people. [12] I was at ease, and he shattered me. He grabbed me by the back of the neck and smashed my skull. He set me up as his target, [13] and his archers surrounded me. He slashes open my kidneys without mercy and spills my blood on the ground. [14] He inflicts wound after wound on me. He lunges at me like a warrior. [15] "I have sewn sackcloth over my skin, and I have thrown my strength in the dust. [16] My face is red from crying, and dark shadows encircle my eyes, [17] although my hands have done nothing violent, and my prayer is sincere. [18] "Earth, don't cover my blood. Don't ever let my cry for justice be stopped. [19] Even now, look! My witness is in heaven, and the one who testifies for me is above, [20] the spokesman for my thoughts. My eyes drip with tears to God [21] But my witness will plead for a human in front of God. The Son of Man will plead for his friend! [22] because in a few short years I will take the path of no return.
