[1] Then Job answered, [2] “I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters! [3] Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? [4] I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul’s place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you, [5] but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you. [6] “Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased? [7] But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made all my company desolate. [8] You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. [9] He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. [10] They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. [11] God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. [12] I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target. [13] His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my bile on the ground. [14] He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs at me like a giant. [15] I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust. [16] My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids, [17] although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. [18] “Earth, don’t cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest. [19] Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high. [20] My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God, [21] that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor! [22] For when a few years have come, I will go the way of no return.
