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[1] But Job answered, and said,
[2] I have oft times heard such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
[3] Shall there be none end of words of wind? Or what maketh thee bold so to answer?
[4] I could also speak as ye do: (but would God your soul were in my soul's stead) I could keep you company in speaking, and could shake mine head at you,
[5] But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips should assuage your sorrow.
[6] Though I speak, my sorrow cannot be assuaged: though I cease, what release have I?
[7] But now he maketh me weary: O God, thou hast made all my congregation desolate,
[8] And hast made me full of wrinkles which is a witness thereof, and my leanness riseth up in me, testifying the same in my face.
[9] His wrath hath torn me, and he hateth me, and gnasheth upon me with his teeth: mine enemy hath sharpened his eyes against me.
[10] They have opened their mouths upon me, and smitten me on the cheek in reproach; they gather themselves together against me.
[11] God hath delivered me to the unjust, and hath made me to turn out of the way by the hands of the wicked.
[12] I was in wealth, but he hath brought me to naught: he hath taken me by the neck, and beaten me, and set me as a mark for himself.
[13] His archers compass me round about: he cutteth my reins, and doth not spare, and poureth my gall upon the ground.
[14] He hath broken me with one breaking upon another, and runneth upon me like a giant.
[15] I have sowed a sackcloth upon my skin, and have abased mine horn unto the dust.
[16] My face is withered with weeping, and the shadow of death is upon mine eyes,
[17] Though there be no wickedness in mine hands, and my prayer be pure.
[18] O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my crying find no place.
[19] For lo, now my witness is in the heaven, and my record is on high.
[20] My friends speak eloquently against me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
[21] Oh that a man might plead with God, as man with his neighbor!
[22] For the years accounted come, and I shall go the way, whence I shall not return.
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