6:1 Then Job answered: |
6:2 "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! |
6:3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. |
6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
6:5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder? |
6:6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane? |
6:7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me. |
6:8 "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire; |
6:9 that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! |
6:10 This would be my consolation; I would even exult in pain unsparing; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One. |
6:11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? |
6:12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? |
6:13 In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me. |
6:14 "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. |
6:15 My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as freshets that pass away, |
6:16 which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. |
6:17 In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place. |
6:18 The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste, and perish. |
6:19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope. |
6:20 They are disappointed because they were confident; they come thither and are confounded. |
6:21 Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid. |
6:22 Have I said, 'Make me a gift'? Or, 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me'? |
6:23 Or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'? |
6:24 "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have erred. |
6:25 How forceful are honest words! But what does reproof from you reprove? |
6:26 Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? |
6:27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. |
6:28 "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face. |
6:29 Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake. |
6:30 Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity? |