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Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

Verse1Then Job replied:

Verse2“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.

Verse3For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.

Verse4For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

Verse5Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?

Verse6Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ?

Verse7My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

Verse8If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:

Verse9that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!

Verse10It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

Verse11What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?

Verse12Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?

Verse13Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?

Verse14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Verse15But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,

Verse16darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,

Verse17but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.

Verse18Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.

Verse19The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.

Verse20They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.

Verse21For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.

Verse22Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;

Verse23deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?

Verse24Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.

Verse25How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?

Verse26Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?

Verse27You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.

Verse28But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?

Verse29Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.

Verse30Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?