[1] Then Job answered,
[2] “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
[5] Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
[6] Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] My 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,
[9] even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
[10] Be 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.
[11] What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Isn’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.
[15] My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;
[16] Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.
[17] In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
[18] The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.
[19] The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.
[21] For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.
[22] Did I say, ‘Give to me?’ or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance?’
[23] or, ‘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.
[25] How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
[26] Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
[27] Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.
[28] Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face.
[29] Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.
[30] Is there injustice on my tongue? Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?