Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

¹ Then Job replied:

² “If only my grief could be weighed

and placed^* with my calamity on the scales.

³ For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas —

no wonder my words have been rash.

⁴ For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me;

my spirit drinks in their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

⁵ Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass,

or an ox low over its fodder?

⁶ Is tasteless food eaten without salt,

or is there flavor in the white of an egg?

⁷ My soul^* refuses to touch them;

they are loathsome food to me.

⁸ If only my request were granted

and God would fulfill my hope:^*

⁹ that God would be willing to crush me,

to unleash His hand and cut me off!

¹⁰ It still brings me comfort,

and joy through unrelenting pain,

that I have not denied

the words of the Holy One.

¹¹ What strength do I have, that I should still hope?

What is my future, that I should be patient?

¹² Is my strength like that of stone,

or my flesh made of bronze?

¹³ Is there any help within me

now that success is driven from me?

¹⁴ A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend,

even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

¹⁵ But my brothers are as faithless as wadis,^*

as seasonal streams that overflow,

¹⁶ darkened because of the ice

and the inflow of melting^* snow,

¹⁷ but ceasing in the dry season

and vanishing from their channels in the heat.

¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes;

they go into the wasteland and perish.

¹⁹ The caravans^* of Tema look for water;

the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.

²⁰ They are confounded^* because they had hoped;

their arrival brings disappointment.

²¹ For now you are of no help;

you see terror, and you are afraid.

²² Have I ever said, ‘Give me something;

offer me a bribe from your wealth;

²³ deliver me from the hand of the enemy;

redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’ ?

²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent.

Help me understand how I have erred.

²⁵ How painful are honest words!

But what does your argument prove?

²⁶ Do you intend to correct my words,

and treat as wind my cry of despair?

²⁷ You would even cast lots for an orphan

and barter away your friend.

²⁸ But now, please look at me.

Would I lie to your face?

²⁹ Reconsider;^* do not be unjust.

Reconsider,^* for my righteousness is at stake.

³⁰ Is there iniquity on my tongue?

Can my mouth not discern malice?