Job 6

Job 6:1-30 [1]THEN JOB answered, [2]Oh, that my impatience and vexation might be [thoroughly] weighed and all my calamity be laid up over against them in the balances, one against the other [to see if my grief is unmanly]! [3]For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash and wild, [4][But it is] because the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison which my spirit drinks up; the terrors of God set themselves in array against me. [5]Does the wild ass bray when it has grass? Or does the ox low over its fodder? [6]Can that which has no taste to it be eaten without salt? Or is there any flavor in the white of an egg? [7][These afflictions] my soul refuses to touch! Such things are like diseased food to me [sickening and repugnant]! [8]Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! [9]I even wish that it would please God to crush me, that He would let loose His hand and cut me off! [10]Then would I still have consolation–yes, I would leap [for joy] amid unsparing pain [though I shrink from it]–that I have not concealed or denied the words of the Holy One! [11]What strength have I left, that I should wait and hope? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient? [12]Is my strength and endurance that of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze? [13]Is it not that I have no help in myself, and that wisdom is quite driven from me? [14]To him who is about to faint and despair, kindness is due from his friend, lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty. [15][You] my brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away, [16]Which are black and turbid by reason of the ice, and in which the snows hides itself; [17]When they get warm, they shrink and disappear; when it is hot, they vanish out of their place. [18]The caravans which travel by way of them turn aside; they go into the waste places and perish. [Such is my disappointment in you, the friends I fully trusted.] [19]The caravans of Tema looked [for water], the companies of Sheba waited for them [in vain]. [20]They were confounded because they had hoped [to find water]; they came there and were bitterly disappointed. [21]Now to me you are [like a dried-up brook]; you see my dismay and terror, and [believing me to be a victim of God’s anger] you are afraid [to sympathize with me]. [22]Did I ever say, Bring me a gift, or Pay a bribe on my account from your wealth [23]To deliver me from the adversary’s hand, or Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors? [24]Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. [25]How forcible are words of straightforward speech! But what does your arguing argue and prove or your reproof reprove? [26]Do you imagine your words to be an argument, but the speeches of one who is desperate to be as wind? [27]Yes, you would cast lots over the fatherless and bargain away your friend. [28]Now be pleased to look upon me, that it may be evident to you if I lie [for surely I would not lie to your face]. [29]Return [from your suspicion], I pray you, let there be no injustice; yes, return again [to confidence in me], my vindication is in it. [30]Is there wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern what is destructive?