[1] Then Job answered: [2] "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my
calamity laid in the balances! [3] For then it would be heavier than the
sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. [4] For the arrows of
the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God
are arrayed against me. [5] Does the wild ass bray when he has grass, or
the ox low over his fodder? [6] Can that which is tasteless be eaten
without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane? [7] My
appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.
[8] "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire;
[9] that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand
and cut me off! [10] This would be my consolation; I would even exult in
pain unsparing; 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 be
patient? [12] Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
[13] In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
[14] "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the
Almighty. [15] My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as freshets
that pass away, [16] which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides
itself. [17] In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish
from their place. [18] The caravans turn aside from their course; they go
up into the waste, and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema look, the
travelers of Sheba hope. [20] They are disappointed because they were
confident; they come thither and are confounded. [21] Such you have now
become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid. [22] Have I said, `Make
me a gift'? Or, `From your wealth offer a bribe for me'? [23] Or, `y's
hand'? Or, `ppressors'? [24] "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me
understand how I have erred. [25] How forceful are honest words! But what
does reproof from you reprove? [26] Do you think that you can reprove
words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? [27] You would even
cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. [28] "But now,
be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face. [29] Turn, I
pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake. [30] Is
there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?