1.
Now Job replied and said,
2.
"If only my anger and my calamity were weighed, placed together on a scale,
3.
for now, it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore, my words stammer.
4.
For the Almighty's arrows are with me, whose venom my spirit drinks; the terrors of God wage war with me.
5.
Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass or does an ox low over its fodder?
6.
Can bland food be eaten without salt, or is there a taste in the saliva of strong-tasting food?
7.
What my body refused to touch-they are as cloths for my food.
8.
Would that my request were granted, and God would give what I hope for.
9.
And may God desire and crush me, enlarge His hand and finish me off.
10.
Then should I yet have comfort, and I will beg, shuddering, that he have no pity, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11.
What is my strength that I should wait and what is my end that I should restrain my desire?
12.
Is my strength the strength of stones or is my flesh copper?
13.
Have I no help, or is counsel lost to me?
14.
By one who withholds kindness from his friend and who abandons the fear of the Almighty?
15.
My brethren have betrayed [me] like a stream; like the source of streams they pass,
16.
which wrinkle from the ice-upon them snow is hidden.
17.
At the time they become warm, they retreat; when it heats up, they jump from their place.
18.
The paths of their way are held [by them]; they go up in waste and are lost.
19.
They look at the paths of Tema; they make a line for the roads of Sheba.
20.
They are ashamed because they had hoped; they came to it and were disgraced.
21.
For now you are like it; you fear ruin; yea you fear.
22.
Did I say, "Give me," or "Offer a bribe for me from your wealth"?
23.
And "Rescue me from an enemy," and "Ransom me from the hands of tyrants"?
24.
Instruct me and I will be silent, and allow me to understand where I have erred.
25.
How clear are words of uprightness, but what does your proof prove?
26.
Do you think to clarify words? They are like wind, words of futility.
27.
You cast wrath upon an orphan, and you dig [a pit] for your friend.
28.
But now, agree and turn to me and [see] whether I lie to your face.
29.
Return now; there will be no injustice, and return again [to see that] my cause is righteous.
30.
Is there injustice in my tongue, or will my palate not understand wickedness?
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