6:1 Then Job answered:
6:2 "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
6:3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.
6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
6:5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder?
6:6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane?
6:7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.
6:8 "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire;
6:9 that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
6:10 This would be my consolation; I would even exult in pain unsparing; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
6:11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
6:12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
6:13 In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
6:14 "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
6:15 My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as freshets that pass away,
6:16 which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself.
6:17 In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
6:18 The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste, and perish.
6:19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope.
6:20 They are disappointed because they were confident; they come thither and are confounded.
6:21 Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.
6:22 Have I said, `Make me a gift'? Or, `From your wealth offer a bribe for me'?
6:23 Or, `Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? Or, `Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?
6:24 "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have erred.
6:25 How forceful are honest words! But what does reproof from you reprove?
6:26 Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind?
6:27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend.
6:28 "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face.
6:29 Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake.
6:30 Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
Terms of Use