1. Job responded and said:
2. “If only my grief could be weighed and my calamity placed on the scales.
3. For it outweighs the sands of the sea; that is why my words have been rash.
4. For the arrows of Shaddai are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God’s terrors line up against me.
5. Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass or an ox bellow over his fodder?
6. Is something bland eaten without salt, is there taste in the white of an egg?
7. My soul refuses to touch them; they are like sickening food to me.
8. Oh that my request would be realized, that God would grant my hope;
9. that God would be willing to crush me, to release His hand, and cut me off!
10. Then I would still be comforted, even rejoice in spite of unrelenting pain, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11. “What is my strength, that I should hope? What is my end, that I should endure?
12. Is my strength the strength of rock? Is my flesh bronze?
13. Is there no help within me; has not success been banished from me?
14. “A despairing person should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of Shaddai.
15. My brothers have acted deceptively, as a seasonal stream, as a torrential stream that overflows
16. when darkened by thawing ice, and obscured by snow,
17. but when they are scorched, they dry up, and in the heat, they vanish from their place.
18. Caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the wasteland and perish.
19. The caravans of Tema looked intently, the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20. They were distressed because they had been confident; they came so far and were disappointed.
21. “Indeed, now you have become nothing; you see a terror and are afraid.
22. Have I ever said, ‘Give to me’ or ‘Pay a bribe for me from your wealth’
23. or ‘Save me from the enemy’s hand’ or ‘Redeem me from a ruthless hand’?
24. “Teach me, and I will be silent; explain to me how I have been wrong.
25. Honest words are painful, but what does your arguing prove?
26. Do you intend to correct my words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?
27. Would you cast lots for an orphan, and barter over your friend?
28. “Now be so kind as to look at me; I will not lie to your face.
29. Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my righteousness is in it.
30. Is injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern evil?”