Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

1Then Job answered:

2‘O that my vexation were weighed,

and all my calamity laid in the balances!

3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;

therefore my words have been rash.

4For the arrows of the Almighty6.4 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai are in me;

my spirit drinks their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5Does the wild ass bray over its grass,

or the ox low over its fodder?

6Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,

or is there any flavour in the juice of mallows?6.6 Meaning of Heb uncertain

7My appetite refuses to touch them;

they are like food that is loathsome to me.6.7 Meaning of Heb uncertain

8‘O that I might have my request,

and that God would grant my desire;

9that it would please God to crush me,

that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!

10This would be my consolation;

I would even exult6.10 Meaning of Heb uncertain in unrelenting pain;

for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11What is my strength, that I should wait?

And what is my end, that I should be patient?

12Is my strength the strength of stones,

or is my flesh bronze?

13In truth I have no help in me,

and any resource is driven from me.

14‘Those who withhold6.14 Syr Vg Compare Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain kindness from a friend

forsake the fear of the Almighty.6.14 Traditional rendering of Heb Shaddai

15My companions are treacherous like a torrent-bed,

like freshets that pass away,

16that run dark with ice,

turbid with melting snow.

17In time of heat they disappear;

when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

18The caravans turn aside from their course;

they go up into the waste, and perish.

19The caravans of Tema look,

the travellers of Sheba hope.

20They are disappointed because they were confident;

they come there and are confounded.

21Such you have now become to me;6.21 Cn Compare Gk Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain

you see my calamity, and are afraid.

22Have I said, “Make me a gift”?

Or, “From your wealth offer a bribe for me”?

23Or, “Save me from an opponent's hand”?

Or, “Ransom me from the hand of oppressors”?

24‘Teach me, and I will be silent;

make me understand how I have gone wrong.

25How forceful are honest words!

But your reproof, what does it reprove?

26Do you think that you can reprove words,

as if the speech of the desperate were wind?

27You would even cast lots over the orphan,

and bargain over your friend.

28‘But now, be pleased to look at me;

for I will not lie to your face.

29Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done.

Turn now, my vindication is at stake.

30Is there any wrong on my tongue?

Cannot my taste discern calamity?