|
[1] THEN Job answered and said,
[2] Oh that my grief were weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances against it!
[3] For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words are restrained.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are in my flesh, and their poison drinks up my spirit; the terrors of God have frightened me.
[5] Does the wild ass bray over grass? Or does the ox low over the fodder?
[6] Or can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] My soul is weary of its troubles, I lament like a drunken man in my affliction
[8] Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
[9] So that God would hearken to cleanse me, and to spread out his hand and make me whole;
[10] And to be again my comfort, so that I may be restored to my strength without measure; for I have not lied against the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should endure? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Behold, his help is not in me, and his salvation is far off from me
[14] He who withholds peace from his friend, forsakes the worship of the Almighty.
[15] My brethren have dealt deceitfully like dry brooks, like torrents which pass away.
[16] Those who were afraid of ice, much snow has fallen upon them.
[17] When the sun shines over them, they melt; when it is hot, they melt and disappear from their place.
[18] The paths of their ways are winding; they go astray from their course and perish.
[19] For they have looked toward the roads of the south, and have waited for the paths of Sheba.
[20] They are ashamed in what they had hoped; they came there, and were confounded.
[21] You also have become such to me; because before you saw terror, you were afraid
[22] Did I say, Bring me a present? Or from your wealth offer a bribe for my sake?
[23] Or rescue me from my oppressor's hands; or deliver me from the hand of the mighty?
[24] Teach me, and I will be silent; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
[25] Why do you reject the words of truth? Who of you are able to rebuke and chastise?
[26] Behold you are seeking to find words with which to reprove, and against my soul you are conjuring up words.
[27] Behold, you overwhelm the fatherless, and you grieve your friend.
[28] Now therefore listen and take heed, and I will speak in your presence, and will not lie.
[29] Repent, I pray you, and do not become like ungodly men; repent therefore and be justified.
[30] Is there iniquity in my tongue? Or does not my mouth speak truth
|