Job 6

1 Then Job answered,⋮

2 “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!⋮

3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash.⋮

4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.⋮

5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?⋮

6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?⋮

7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.⋮

8 “Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,⋮

9 even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!⋮

10 Let it still be my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.⋮

11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?⋮

12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze?⋮

13 Isn’t it that I have no help in me, that wisdom is driven away from me?⋮

14 “To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.⋮

15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;⋮

16 which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.⋮

17 In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.⋮

18 The caravans that travel beside them turn away. They go up into the waste, and perish.⋮

19 The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.⋮

20 They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.⋮

21 For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.⋮

22 Did I ever say, ‘Give to me?’ or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance?’⋮

23 or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand?’ or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?’⋮

24 “Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand my error.⋮

25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?⋮

26 Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?⋮

27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.⋮

28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I will not lie to your face.⋮

29 Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.⋮

30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?⋮