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[1] But Job answered, and said,
[2] Oh that my grief were well weighed, and my miseries were laid together in the balance.
[3] For it would be now heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, the venom whereof doth drink up my spirit, and the terrors of God fight against me.
[5] Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? Or loweth the ox when he hath fodder?
[6] That which is unsavory, shall it be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] Such things as my soul refused to touch, as were sorrows, are my meat.
[8] Oh that I might have my desire, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
[9] That is, that God would destroy me: that he would let his hand go, and cut me off.
[10] Then should I yet have comfort, (though I burn with sorrow, let him not spare) because I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
[11] What power have I that I should endure? Or what is mine end, if I should prolong my life?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Is it not so, that there is in me no help? And that strength is taken from me?
[14] He that is in misery, ought to be comforted of his neighbor: but men have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brethren have deceived me as a brook , and as the rising of the rivers they pass away.
[16] Which are blackish with ice, and wherein the snow is hid.
[17] But in time they are dried up with heat and are consumed: and when it is hot they fail out of their places,
[18] Or they depart from their way and course, yea, they vanish and perish.
[19] They that go to Tema, considered them, and they that go to Sheba, waited for them.
[20] But they were confounded: when they hoped, they came thither and were ashamed.
[21] Surely now are ye like unto it: ye have seen my fearful plague, and are afraid.
[22] Was it because I said, Bring unto me? Or give a reward to me of your substance?
[23] And deliver me from the enemy's hand, or ransom me out of the hand of tyrants?
[24] Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand, wherein I have erred.
[25] How steadfast are the words of righteousness? And what can any of you justly reprove?
[26] Do ye imagine to reprove words, that the talk of the afflicted should be as the wind?
[27] Ye make your wrath to fall upon the fatherless, and dig a pit for your friend.
[28] Now therefore be content to look upon me: for I will not lie before your face.
[29] Turn, I pray you, let there be none iniquity: return, I say, and ye shall see yet my righteousness in that behalf. Is there iniquity in my tongue? Doth not my mouth feel sorrows?
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