Job 6:1-30 CSB

[1] Then Job answered: [2] If only my grief could be weighed and my devastation placed with it on the scales. [3] For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas! That is why my words are rash. [4] Surely the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks their poison. God's terrors are arrayed against me. [5] Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass or an ox low over its fodder? [6] Is bland food eaten without salt? Is there flavor in an egg white? [7] I refuse to touch them; they are like contaminated food. [8] If only my request would be granted and God would provide what I hope for: [9] that he would decide to crush me, to unleash his power and cut me off! [10] It would still bring me comfort, and I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. [11] What strength do I have, that I should continue to hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? [12] Is my strength that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? [13] Since I cannot help myself, the hope for success has been banished from me. [14] A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty. [15] My brothers are as treacherous as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow [16] and become darkened because of ice, and the snow melts into them. [17] The wadis evaporate in warm weather; they disappear from their channels in hot weather. [18] Caravans turn away from their routes, go up into the desert, and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema look for these streams. The traveling merchants of Sheba hope for them. [20] They are ashamed because they had been confident of finding water. When they arrive there, they are disappointed. [21] So this is what you have now become to me. When you see something dreadful, you are afraid. [22] Have I ever said, "Give me something" or "Pay a bribe for me from your wealth" [23] or "Deliver me from the enemy's hand" or "Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless"? [24] Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand what I did wrong. [25] How painful honest words can be! But what does your rebuke prove? [26] Do you think that you can disprove my words or that a despairing man's words are mere wind? [27] No doubt you would cast lots for a fatherless child and negotiate a price to sell your friend. [28] But now, please look at me; I will not lie to your face. [29] Reconsider; don't be unjust. Reconsider; my righteousness is still the issue. [30] Is there injustice on my tongue or can my palate not taste disaster?