Job's reply

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 Almighty are in me;

my spirit drinks their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5Does the wild ass bray when he has grass,

or the ox low over his fodder?

6Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,

or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane?6.6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain

7My appetite refuses to touch them;

they are as food that is loathsome to me.6.7 Heb obscure

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 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain in pain unsparing;

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“He who withholds6.14 Syr Vg Compare Tg: Heb obscure kindness from a friend

forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed,

as freshets that pass away,

16which are dark with ice,

and where the snow hides itself.

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 thither and are confounded.

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

you see my calamity, and are afraid.

22Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’?

Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’?

23Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary's hand’?

Or, ‘Ransom me from the hand of oppressors’?

24“Teach me, and I will be silent;

make me understand how I have erred.

25How forceful are honest words!

But what does reproof from you reprove?

26Do you think that you can reprove words,

when the speech of a despairing man is wind?

27You would even cast lots over the fatherless,

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?