Job 6:1-30 VOICE

[1] Job answered Eliphaz. [2] Job: Would that my anguish were weighed, laid on a scale together with the disaster I've suffered! [3] For there is not enough sand in the seas to outweigh it! It's no wonder my untamed words are but incoherent stammering. [4] The arrows of the Highest One have sunk deeply into me; my spirit drinks their poison. The terrors of God assemble like soldiers marching against me. [5] Does a wild donkey bray in hunger in a field of fresh grass? Does an ox low with pangs over plenty of feed? [6] If I were served a tasteless mush, how could I eat it without at least adding salt? Or is there even any sense of taste in the slime of a plant? [7] I refuse to eat, and I gag at the thought of it. This vile food sickens me. [8] If only my one request were answered, if only God would grant me the fulfillment of my only hope: [9] That God would be willing to crush me, to kill me, that God would release His hand and cut me off. [10] At least then I would have a crumb of consolation, one source of joy in the midst of this relentless agony: I never denied the words of the Holy One in my pain. [11] Job: What strength do I have, that I should persist in this life? And what is my life's end, that I should forestall it? [12] Is my strength like that of stones? Is my flesh like bronze? [13] Can I even hope to help myself, or has any chance of help been driven away? [14] A despondent person deserves kindness from his friend, even though he strays from the fear of the Highest One. [15] But you, my brothers, are unpredictable like an unexpected flood of the wadi that quickly rises and then falls, [16] That contain dark, muddy swirls of thawing ice that swell in the melting snow, [17] But whose flow is stopped in the summer heat and that vanish in their gullies under the heat of the sun. [18] The path of their course winds along, goes out into the desert and disappears. [19] You travelers have heard how the experienced caravans from Tema searched for water, how the travelers of Sheba expected to find it; [20] But their confidence turned to frustration and shame; for when they arrived, they found no water, only disappointment. [21] Now you, too, have come to nothing. You see my terror and are afraid for yourselves. [22] Have I ever asked you to give me anything, or from your means to offer a bribe on my behalf? [23] Have I ever asked you to rescue me from my enemies' hands, or to deliver me from the clutches of powerful adversaries? [24] In all seriousness, teach me, and I will be silent. Where I have erred? Help me understand. [25] True, honest words are painful, but what does your chiding confirm? [26] Was it your intent to correct me? Did you imagine that, desperate as I was, my words were nothing but wind? [27] Yes, it seems you'd have no qualms about sending an orphan into slavery or selling out a friend. [28] Now do me the favor of looking at me; look me in my face; I will not lie to your face. [29] Turn back; don't let any more harm be done. Turn back to me now; my reputation and integrity are at stake. [30] Is there any wickedness, any poisonous word on my tongue? Don't you think I can tell when I've tasted a ruinous lie?