1Then Job answered and said,
2Oh that my vexation were but weighed, And all my calamity laid in the balances!
3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: Therefore my words have been rash.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, Whose poison my spirit drinks up: The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6Can that which has no savor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7My soul refuses to touch them; They are as loathsome food to me.
8Oh that I might have my request; And that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9Even that it would please God to crush me; That he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10And let it still be my consolation, Indeed, let me exult in pain that does not spare, That I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
12Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze?
13Is it not that I have no help in me, And that wisdom is driven quite from me?
14To him who is ready to faint kindness should be shown from his friend; Even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, As the channel of brooks that pass away;
16Which are black by reason of the ice, And in which the snow hides itself:
17When they grow warm, they vanish; When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18The caravans that travel by the way of them turn aside; They go up into the waste, and perish.
19The caravans of Tema looked, The companies of Sheba waited for them.
20They were put to shame because they had hoped; They came there, and were confounded.
21For now you are nothing; You see a terror, and are afraid.
22Did I say, Give to me? Or, Offer a present for me from your possessions?
23Or, Deliver me from the adversary’s hand? Or, Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?
24Teach me, and I will hold my peace; And cause me to understand how I have erred.
25How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
26Do you think to reprove words, Seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
27Indeed, you would cast lots over the fatherless, And make merchandise of your friend.
28Now therefore be pleased to look at me; For surely I shall not lie to your face.
29Return, please, let there be no injustice; Indeed, return again, my cause is righteous.
30Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern mischievous things?