1Then answered Job, and said,
2Oh that my vexation could be truly weighed, and my calamity; oh that men might lift it up in the balances at once!
3For now it is already heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore are my words confused.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh it: the terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5Doth the wild ass bray over the grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?
6Is ever tasteless food eaten without salt? or is there any flavor in the white of an egg?
7My soul refuseth to touch them: they are unto me like disgusting food.
8Oh that some one would grant the accomplishment of my request; and that God would grant me the fulfillment of my hope!
9Yea, that it would please God that he might crush me: that he would let loose his hand, and make an end of me!
10Then would this be still my comfort; yea, I would rejoice in my pain while be would not spare: that I have not gainsaid the commands of the Holy One.—
11What is my strength, that I should wait? and what my end, that I should yet longer retain my patience?
12Is the strength of stones my strength? or is my flesh brazen?
13Truly, am I not without my help in me? and is not wise counsel driven far away from me?
14As though I were one who refuseth kindness to his friend, and forsaketh the fear of the Almighty:
15My brothers are treacherous as a brook, like flowing brooks they pass along;
16Which are made turbid by reason of the ice, wherein the snow hideth itself;
17At the time when they feel the warmth, they vanish; when it is hot, they are quenched out of their place.
18The paths of their course wind themselves along; they go in the wilderness and are lost.
19The caravans of Thema look hither, the travelling companies Sheba hope for them;
20But they stand ashamed because they had trusted; they come thither and are made to blush.
21For truly now ye are like such a one: ye see my terrible state and are afraid.
22Have I then ever said, Give me something, and out of your property offer a bribe in my behalf?
23And deliver me from the hand of the adversary? and redeem from the hand of tyrants?
24Teach me, and I will indeed remain silent; and wherein I erred give me to understand.
25How pleasant are straightforward words! but what doth arguing prove?
26Do ye think to reprove words, and [to regard] as wind the speeches of one that is despairing?
27Yea, ye would cast any thing upon the fatherless, and ye would dig a pit against your friend.
28But now, if it please you, turn yourselves toward me, and [say] whether I would lie before your face.
29Reflect again, I pray you, there will be no wrong: yea, reflect once more, my righteousness [will be found] therein.
30Is there any wrong on my tongue? or should my palate not understand [if I spoke] what is iniquitous?