Job 30:1-31 GNT

[1] But men younger than I am make fun of me now! Their fathers have always been so worthless that I wouldn't let them help my dogs guard sheep. [2] They were a bunch of worn-out men, too weak to do any work for me. [3] They were so poor and hungry that they would gnaw dry roots- at night, in wild, desolate places. [4] They pulled up the plants of the desert and ate them, even the tasteless roots of the broom tree! [5] Everyone drove them away with shouts, as if they were shouting at thieves. [6] They had to live in caves, in holes dug in the sides of cliffs. [7] Out in the wilds they howled like animals and huddled together under the bushes. [8] A worthless bunch of nameless nobodies! They were driven out of the land. [9] Now they come and laugh at me; I am nothing but a joke to them. [10] They treat me with disgust; they think they are too good for me, and even come and spit in my face. [11] Because God has made me weak and helpless, they turn against me with all their fury. [12] This mob attacks me head-on; they send me running; they prepare their final assault. [13] They cut off my escape and try to destroy me; and there is no one to stop them. [14] They pour through the holes in my defenses and come crashing down on top of me; [15] I am overcome with terror; my dignity is gone like a puff of wind, and my prosperity like a cloud. [16] Now I am about to die; there is no relief for my suffering. [17] At night my bones all ache; the pain that gnaws me never stops. [18] God seizes me by my collar and twists my clothes out of shape. [19] He throws me down in the mud; I am no better than dirt. [20] I call to you, O God, but you never answer; and when I pray, you pay no attention. [21] You are treating me cruelly; you persecute me with all your power. [22] You let the wind blow me away; you toss me about in a raging storm. [23] I know you are taking me off to my death, to the fate in store for everyone. [24] Why do you attack a ruined man, one who can do nothing but beg for pity? [25] Didn't I weep with people in trouble and feel sorry for those in need? [26] I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead. [27] I am torn apart by worry and pain; I have had day after day of suffering. [28] I go about in gloom, without any sunshine; I stand up in public and plead for help. [29] My voice is as sad and lonely as the cries of a jackal or an ostrich. [30] My skin has turned dark; I am burning with fever. [31] Where once I heard joyful music, now I hear only mourning and weeping.