Job Replies: My Complaint is Just

1Then Job answered,

2"Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. 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 flavor 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.

8"Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant 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!

10Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?

12Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?

13Isn't it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me?

14"To 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, in which the snow hides itself.

17In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

18The caravans that travel beside 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 distressed because they were confident. 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 substance?'

23or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?'

24"Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

25How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?

26Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

27Yes, you would even cast lots for 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.

29Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.

30Is there injustice on my tongue? Can't my taste discern mischievous things?