Job 6

1Then Job answered:

2“If only my anguish could be weighed, and all my disaster laid on the scales together!

3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; that is why my words have been reckless.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are lined up against me.

5Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass, or an ox bellow over its fodder?

6Can tasteless food be eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the white of an egg?

7My appetite refuses to touch them; they are like spoiled food to me.

8Oh, that my request would be granted, and that God would give me what I hope for:

9that God would be willing to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!

10Then I would still have this comfort, and I would leap for joy in pain that does not spare: that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11What strength do I have, that I should keep hoping? What is my end, that I should be patient?

12Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh made of bronze?

13Is it not true that I have no help within me, and that success has been driven away from me?

14One who is in despair should have kindness from his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15My brothers have been as treacherous as a stream, like the channels of streams that run dry,

16which are dark with ice and where the snow hides itself;

17when they are warmed, they stop flowing; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

18Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go up into the wasteland and perish.

19The caravans of Tema look for them; the travelers of Sheba count on them.

20They are put to shame because they were confident; they arrive there and are disappointed.

21So now you have become like that; you see something terrifying and are afraid.

22Have I said, ‘Give me something,’ or, ‘Pay a bribe for me from your wealth,’

23or, ‘Rescue me from the hand of the enemy; ransom me from the hand of the ruthless’?

24Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone wrong.

25How forceful honest words are! But what does your arguing prove?

26Do you intend to correct my words, and treat the speech of a desperate man as wind?

27You would even cast lots over an orphan and bargain over your friend.

28But now, please look at me; I will not lie to your face.

29Turn back, please; let there be no injustice. Turn back again; my righteousness is still at stake.

30Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not tell what is ruinous?