Job Speaks
6 Then Job answered, 2 “If only my trials and troubles were weighed! 3 They would weigh more than the sand of the seas. My words have been spoken fast and without thought. 4 For the arrows of the All-powerful are in me. My spirit drinks their poison. The hard things from God are like an army against me. 5 Does the wild donkey make noise when it has grass? Or does the bull make noise when it has food? 6 Can something that has no taste be eaten without salt? Is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7 My soul will not touch them. They are like hated food to me.
8 “If only I might get what I ask for, and that God would give me what I desire! 9 If only God were willing to crush me, that He would let His hand loose and destroy me! 10 But this gives me comfort even though I suffer much pain because I have not turned away from the words of the Holy One. 11 What strength have I, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should not give up? 12 Do I have the strength of stones? Is my flesh brass? 13 I have no power to help myself, and a way out is far from me.
14 “Kindness from a friend should be shown to a man without hope, or he might turn away from the fear of the All-powerful. 15 My brothers have been like rivers that are not there when needed. 16 They are dark because of ice and snow turning into water. 17 When they have no water, there is no noise. When it is hot, they are not there. 18 The people on their camels turn away from them. They go into the waste places and die. 19 The people and camels of Tema looked. The travelers of Sheba hoped for them. 20 They were troubled for they had trusted. They came there and their hope goes. 21 Yes, this is how you have been. You see my trouble and are afraid. 22 Have I said, ‘Give me something,’ or, ‘Pay something from your riches to help me’? 23 Have I said, ‘Take me out from under the power of the one who hates me,’ or, ‘Save me from those who make it hard for me’?
24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet. Show me where I have been wrong. 25 Honest words give pain. But what does your arguing prove? 26 Do you think you can speak against my words, and act as if the words of a man without hope are wind? 27 You would even draw names over those who have no father, and make trades over your friend. 28 Now be pleased to look at me, and see if I lie to your face. 29 I ask that you change your minds and let no wrong be done. Stop now, for I am still right and good. 30 Is there wrong-doing on my tongue? Can I not taste trouble?