3. They would now outweigh the sands of the sea!Because of this I speak without restraint.
4. For the arrows of the Almighty are in me,and my spirit drinks in their poison;the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5. Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass?Does the ox low over its fodder?
6. Can anything insipid be eaten without salt?Is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7. I refuse to touch them;they are like loathsome food to me.
8. Oh, that I might have my request,and that God would grant what I long for:
9. Even that God would decide to crush me,that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!
10. Then I should still have consolationand could exult through unremitting pain,because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.
11. What strength have I that I should endure,and what is my limit that I should be patient?
12. Have I the strength of stones,or is my flesh of bronze?
13. Have I no helper,and has my good sense deserted me?
14. A friend owes kindness to one in despair,though he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15. My companions are undependable as a wadi,as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;
16. Though they may be black with ice,and with snow heaped upon them,
17. Yet once they flow, they cease to be;in the heat, they disappear from their place.