[1] But Job answered and said,
[2] Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinks up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
[5] Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? or lows the ox over his fodder?
[6] Can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
[8] Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
[9] Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
[10] Then should I yet have comfort; yes, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
[14] To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
[16] Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
[17] What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
[18] The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.
[19] The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
[21] For now you are nothing; you see my casting down, and are afraid.
[22] Did I say, Bring to me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
[23] Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
[24] Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
[25] How forcible are right words! but what does your arguing reprove?
[26] Do you imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
[27] Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, and you dig a pit for your friend.
[28] Now therefore be content, look on me; for it is evident to you if I lie.
[29] Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yes, return again, my righteousness is in it.
[30] Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
