[1] And Job made answer and said, [2] If only my passion might be measured,
and put into the scales against my trouble! [3] For then its weight would
be more than the sand of the seas: because of this my words have been
uncontrolled. [4] For the arrows of the Ruler of all are present with me,
and their poison goes deep into my spirit: his army of fears is put in
order against me. [5] Does the ass of the fields give out his voice when he
has grass? or does the ox make sounds over his food? [6] Will a man take
food which has no taste without salt? or is there any taste in the soft
substance of purslain? [7] My soul has no desire for such things, they are
as disease in my food. [8] If only I might have an answer to my prayer, and
God would give me my desire! [9] If only he would be pleased to put an end
to me; and would let loose his hand, so that I might be cut off! [10] So I
would still have comfort, and I would have joy in the pains of death, for I
have not been false to the words of the Holy One. [11] Have I strength to
go on waiting, or have I any end to be looking forward to? [12] Is my
strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh brass? [13] I have no help
in myself, and wisdom is completely gone from me. [14] He whose heart is
shut against his friend has given up the fear of the Ruler of all. [15] My
friends have been false like a stream, like streams in the valleys which
come to an end: [16] Which are dark because of the ice, and the snow
falling into them; [17] Under the burning sun they are cut off, and come to
nothing because of the heat. [18] The camel-trains go out of their way;
they go up into the waste and come to destruction. [19] The camel-trains of
Tema were searching with care, the bands of Sheba were waiting for them:
[20] They were put to shame because of their hope; they came and their hope
was gone. [21] So have you now become to me; you see my sad condition and
are in fear. [22] Did I say, Give me something? or, Make a payment for me
out of your wealth? [23] Or, Get me out of the power of my hater? or, Give
money so that I may be free from the power of the cruel ones? [24] Give me
teaching and I will be quiet; and make me see my error. [25] How pleasing
are upright words! but what force is there in your arguments? [26] My words
may seem wrong to you, but the words of him who has no hope are for the
wind. [27] Truly, you are such as would give up the child of a dead man to
his creditors, and would make a profit out of your friend. [28] Now then,
let your eyes be turned to me, for truly I will not say what is false to
your face. [29] Let your minds be changed, and do not have an evil opinion
of me; yes, be changed, for my righteousness is still in me. [30] Is there
evil in my tongue? is not the cause of my trouble clear to me?