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[1] But Job answered, and said,
[2] How long will ye vex my soul, and torment me with words?
[3] Ye have now ten times reproached me, and are not ashamed: ye are impudent toward me.
[4] And though I had indeed erred, mine error remaineth with me.
[5] But indeed if ye will advance yourselves against me, and rebuke me for my reproach,
[6] Know now, that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.
[7] Behold, I cry out of violence, but I have none answer: I cry, but there is no judgment.
[8] He hath hedged up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.
[9] He hath spoiled me of mine honor, and taken the crown away from mine head.
[10] He hath destroyed me on every side and I am gone: and he hath removed mine hope like a tree.
[11] And he hath kindled his wrath against me, and counteth me as one of his enemies.
[12] His armies came together, and made their way upon me, and camped about my tabernacle.
[13] He hath removed my brethren far from me, and also mine acquaintance were strangers unto me.
[14] My neighbors have forsaken me, and my familiars have forgotten me.
[15] They that dwell in mine house, and my maids took me for a stranger: for I was a stranger in their sight.
[16] I called my servant, but he would not answer, though I prayed him with my mouth.
[17] My breath was strange unto my wife, though I prayed her for the children's sake of mine own body.
[18] The wicked also despised me, and when I rose, they spake against me.
[19] All my secret friends abhorred me, and they whom I loved, are turned against me.
[20] My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped with the skin of my teeth.
[21] Have pity upon me: have pity upon me, (O ye my friends) for the hand of God hath touched me.
[22] Why do ye persecute me, as God? And are not satisfied with my flesh?
[23] Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were written even in a book,
[24] And graven with an iron pen in lead, or in stone forever!
[25] For I am sure, that my redeemer liveth, and he shall stand the last on the earth.
[26] And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet shall I see God in my flesh.
[27] Whom I myself shall see, and mine eyes shall behold, and none other for me, though my reins are consumed within me.
[28] But ye said, Why is he persecuted? And there was a deep matter in me.
[29] Be ye afraid of the sword: for the sword will be avenged of wickedness, that ye may know that there is a judgment.
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