Job 6 — AAB

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

6Verse 1Then Job replied:^{Verse 2}“If only my grief could be weighedand placed with my calamity on the scales.^{Verse 3}For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash.^{Verse 4}For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me;my spirit drinks in their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed against me.^{Verse 5}Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass,or an ox low over its fodder?^{Verse 6}Is tasteless food eaten without salt,or is there flavor in the white of an egg⁺?^{Verse 7}My soul refuses to touch them;they are loathsome food to me.^{Verse 8}If only my request were grantedand God would fulfill my hope:^{Verse 9}that God would be willing to crush me,to unleash His hand and cut me off!^{Verse 10}It still brings me comfort,and joy through unrelenting pain,that I have not deniedthe words of the Holy One.^{Verse 11}What strength do I have, that I should still hope?What is my future, that I should be patient?^{Verse 12}Is my strength like that of stone,or my flesh made of bronze?^{Verse 13}Is there any help within menow that success is driven from me?^{Verse 14}A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend,even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.^{Verse 15}But my brothers are as faithless as wadis,as seasonal streams that overflow,^{Verse 16}darkened because of the iceand the inflow of melting snow,^{Verse 17}but ceasing in the dry seasonand vanishing from their channels in the heat.^{Verse 18}Caravans turn aside from their routes;they go into the wasteland and perish.^{Verse 19}The caravans of Tema look for water;the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.^{Verse 20}They are confounded because they had hoped;their arrival brings disappointment.^{Verse 21}For now you are of no help;you see terror, and you are afraid.^{Verse 22}Have I ever said, ‘Give me something;offer me a bribe from your wealth;^{Verse 23}deliver me from the hand of the enemy;redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?^{Verse 24}Teach me, and I will be silent.Help me understand how I have erred.^{Verse 25}How painful are honest words!But what does your argument prove?^{Verse 26}Do you intend to correct my words,and treat as wind my cry of despair?^{Verse 27}You would even cast lots for an orphanand barter away your friend.^{Verse 28}But now, please look at me.Would I lie to your face?^{Verse 29}Reconsider; do not be unjust.Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.^{Verse 30}Is there iniquity on my tongue?Can my mouth not discern malice?