[1] Then Job answered and said,
[2] I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
[3] Shall vain words have an end? or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?
[4] I also could speak as ye do; if your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could join words together against you, and shake mine head at you.
[5] But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips should assuage your grief.
[6] Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
[7] But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.
[8] And thou hast laid fast hold on me, which is a witness against me: and my leanness riseth up against me, it testifieth to my face.
[9] He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; he hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
[10] They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: they gather themselves together against me.
[11] God delivereth me to the ungodly, and casteth me into the hands of the wicked.
[12] I was at ease, and he brake me asunder; yea, he hath taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces: he hath also set me up for his mark.
[13] His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.
[14] He breaketh me with breach upon breach; he runneth upon me like a giant.
[15] I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and have laid my horn in the dust.
[16] My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
[17] Although there is no violence in mine hands, and my prayer is pure.
[18] O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no resting place.
[19] Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he that coucheth for me is on high.
[20] My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God;
[21] That he would maintain the right of a man with God, and of a son of man with his neighbour!
[22] For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return.