[1] Job responded: [2] Oh, that my grief were actually weighed, all of it were lifted up in scales; [3] for now it’s heavier than the sands of the sea; therefore, my words are rash. [4] The Almighty’s arrows are in me; my spirit drinks their poison, and God’s terrors are arrayed against me. [5] Does a donkey bray over grass or an ox bellow over its fodder? [6] Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or does egg white have taste? [7] I refuse to touch them; they resemble food for the sick. [8] Oh, that what I’ve requested would come and God grant my hope; [9] that God be willing to crush me, release his hand and cut me off. [10] I’d still take comfort, relieved even though in persistent pain; for I’ve not denied the words of the holy one. [11] What is my strength, that I should hope; my end, that my life should drag on? [12] Is my strength that of rocks, my flesh bronze? [13] I don’t have a helper for myself; success has been taken from me. [14] Are friends loyal to the one who despairs, or do they stop fearing the Almighty? [15] My companions are treacherous like a stream in the desert, like channels that overrun their streambeds, [16] like those darkened by thawing ice, in which snow is obscured [17] but that stop flowing in dry times and vanish from their channels in heat. [18] Caravans turn aside from their paths; they go up into untamed areas and perish. [19] Caravans from Tema look; merchants from Sheba hope for it. [20] They are ashamed that they trusted; they arrive and are dismayed. [21] That’s what you are like; you see something awful and are afraid. [22] Have I said, “Give me something? Offer a bribe from your wealth for me? [23] Rescue me from the hand of my enemy? Ransom me from the grip of the ruthless?” [24] Instruct me and I’ll be quiet; inform me how I’ve erred. [25] How painful are truthful words, but what do your condemnations accomplish? [26] Do you intend to correct my words, to treat the words of a hopeless man as wind? [27] Would you even gamble over an orphan, barter away your friend? [28] Now look at me—would I lie to your face? [29] Turn! Don’t be faithless. Turn now! I am righteous. [30] Is there wrong on my tongue, or can my mouth not recognize disaster?
