1But Job answered and said,
2Oh that my grief were well weighed, and my miseries were laid together in the balance!
3For it would be now heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, the venom whereof doth drink up my spirit, and the terrors of God fight against me.
5Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox when he hath fodder?
6That which is unsavory, shall it be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7Such things as my soul refused to touch, as were sorrows, are my meat.
8Oh that I might have my desire, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9That is, that God would destroy me: that he would let his hand go, and cut me off.
10Then should I yet have comfort, (though I burn with sorrow, let him not spare) because I have not denied the words of the Holy one.
11What power have I that I should endure? or what is mine end, if I should prolong my life?
12Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
13Is it not so, that there is in me no help? and that strength is taken from me?
14He that is in misery, ought to be comforted of his neighbor: but men have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15My brethren have deceived me as a brook, and as the rising of the rivers they pass away.
16Which are blackish with ice, and wherein the snow is hid.
17But in time they are dried up with heat and are consumed: and when it is hot they fail out of their places,
18Or they depart from their way and course, yea, they vanish and perish.
19They that go to Tema, considered them, and they that go to Sheba, waited for them.
20But they were confounded: when they hoped, they came thither, and were ashamed.
21Surely now are ye like unto it: ye have seen my fearful plague, and are afraid.
22Was it because I said, Bring unto me? or give a reward to me of your substance?
23And deliver me from the enemy’s hand, or ransom me out of the hand of tyrants?
24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand, wherein I have erred.
25How steadfast are the words of righteousness? and what can any of you justly reprove?
26Do ye imagine to reprove words, that the talk of the afflicted should be as the wind?
27Ye make your wrath to fall upon the fatherless, and dig a pit for your friend.
28Now therefore be content to look upon me: for I will not lie before your face.
29Turn, I pray you, let there be none iniquity: return, I say, and ye shall see yet my righteousness in that behalf. Is there iniquity in my tongue? doth not my mouth feel sorrows?