Job 16
1TO this Job replied,
2I have heard many such things, ye miserable comforters all!
3what! have words of wind a regular succession? Or can they give thee offence, considering thine answer?
4I indeed could speak as you do. But were your soul in my soul’s stead, would I insult you with words and shake my head at you?
5And should there be strength in my mouth; would I not spare moving my lips?
6For if I speak shall I not bemoan the wound? And if I hold my peace, shall I be any the less wounded?
7But now when He hath made me a poor rotten fool;
8thou indeed hast fallen upon me. My lie is become a witness, and hath risen up against me—it hath answered me to my face.
9When in His wrath He threw me down and gnashed His teeth at me; the darts of his executioners fell upon me.
10When with the darts of His eyes He had transfixed me—with His spear had brought me on my knees: they with one consent rushed upon me.
11The Lord hath indeed delivered me up to the unrighteous; and turned me over to the ungodly.
12When I was at peace He broke me up—taking me by the hair He shook me—He set me up as a mark.
13They surrounded me with javelins, darting them into my reins—without mercy they poured my gall on the ground.
14They shot me, one deadly wound on another—they ran against me with all their might.
15They sewed sackcloth on my skin: and my strength was extinguished in the dust.
16My belly was burned up with wailing; and on mine eyelids were the shades of death:
17yet there was no iniquity in my hands. And my prayer was pure.
18O earth, cover not the blood of my flesh, nor let there be a place for this cry of mine.
19Even now, behold my witness is in heaven; and He who hath a perfect knowledge of me is on high.
20O that my suit could come before the Lord, and that before Him mine eye could drop a tear!
21That a man could plead before the Lord, as a son of man may with his neighbour!
22But my numbered days are come, and I must go the way, by which I cannot return.