Job 6:1-30 ERV

[1] Then Job answered: [2] "I wish my suffering could be weighed and all my trouble be put on the scales. [3] They would be heavier than all the sand of the sea! That is why my words are so crazy. [4] God All-Powerful has shot me with his arrows. My spirit feels their poison! God's terrible weapons are lined up against me. [5] Even a wild donkey does not complain when it has grass to eat. And a cow is quiet when it has food. [6] Food without salt does not taste good, and the white of an egg has no taste. [7] I refuse to touch that kind of food; it makes me sick! [8] "I wish I could have what I ask for. I wish God would give me what I want. [9] I wish he would crush me- just go ahead and kill me! [10] Then I would be comforted by this one thing: Even through all this pain, I never refused to obey the commands of the Holy One. [11] "With my strength gone, I have no hope to go on living. With nothing to look forward to, why should I be patient? [12] I am not strong like a rock. My body is not made from bronze. [13] I don't have the power to help myself, because all hope of success has been taken away from me. [14] "Friends should be loyal to you in times of trouble, even if you turn away from God All-Powerful. [15] But I cannot depend on you, my brothers. You are like a stream that has no water when the weather is dry but is flooded when the rains come. [16] In the winter, it is choked with ice and melting snow. [17] But when the weather is hot and dry, the water stops flowing, and the stream disappears. [18] It twists and turns along the way and then disappears into the desert. [19] Traders from Tema search for it. Travelers from Sheba hope to find it. [20] They are sure they can find water, but they will be disappointed. [21] Now, you are like those streams. You see my troubles and are afraid. [22] But have I ever asked you to help me? Did I ask you to offer a bribe for me from your wealth? [23] No, and I never said, 'Save me from my enemies!' or 'Save me from those who are cruel!' [24] "So now, teach me, and I will be quiet. Show me what I have done wrong. [25] Honest words are powerful, but your arguments prove nothing. [26] Do you plan to criticize me? Will you speak more tiring words? [27] Are you the kind of people who would gamble for orphans and sell out your own friends? [28] Now, look me in the face, and see that I am telling the truth! [29] You need to start over and stop being so unfair! Think again, because I am innocent. [30] I am not lying. I know right from wrong.