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Job Replies: My Complaint is Just

¹ Then Job replied:² “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.³ For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash.⁴ For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.⁵ Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?⁶ Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?⁷ My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

⁸ If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:⁹ that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!¹⁰ It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.¹¹ What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?¹² Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?¹³ Is there any help within me, now that success is driven from me?

¹⁴ A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.¹⁵ But my brothers are as faithless as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow,¹⁶ darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,¹⁷ but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.¹⁹ The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.²⁰ They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.²¹ For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.

²² Have I ever said: ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;²³ deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.²⁵ How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?²⁶ Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?²⁷ You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.²⁸ But now, please look at me; would I lie to your face?²⁹ Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.³⁰ Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?