Job 6
1TO this, Job in reply said:
2O that some person would weigh my passion, and poise in a balance against it my calamities.
3But these would outweigh the sand of the sea, though you seem to think my words too vehement;
4for the arrows of the Lord are in my body, the fury of which drinketh up my blood. When I attempt to speak they pierce me.
5What! will a wild ass bray without cause? Will it do so, except when in search of food? Or will an ox low, having fodder in his stall?
6Can bread be eaten without salt, or is there any relish in vain words?
7For my temper cannot be calm, while my meat is horrible as the smell of a lion.
8O that He would grant!—that my request might be complied with!—that the Lord would grant me what I long for!
9Let the Lord, having begun, wound me, but not utterly destroy me.
10Let but the grave be my city, having got on its walls I will not be slack to enter, for I have not disputed the holy commands of my God.
11For what is my strength that I should bear up! what my time, that my life is prolonged?
12Is my strength the strength of stones, or is this flesh of mine made of brass?
13Or have I not confided in Him? But help is far from me.
14Mercy hath bidden me adieu. When the superintending care of the Lord overlooked me,
15my nearest friends did not regard me: like a failing brook, or like a wave of the sea, they passed me by.
16They who had assiduously paid me court, now made me a slight visit, like snow or hoar frost,
17which melting at the approach of heat, the place where it was is not known.
18Thus was I forsaken by all, and being undone, I became an outcast.
19Take a view of the ways of the Thaimanites, ye who mark out the Sabean tracks!
20and they who trust in cities and wealth must blush. But now when you have come to me, it is without compassion—
21just to see my wound and he terrified. But why?
22Have I asked anything of you, or do I crave any help from you?—
23to save me from mine enemies—or deliver me out of the hand of the mighty?
24Teach me and I will hold my tongue. If I have erred, tell me plainly.
25But my words, it seems, are devoid of truth, because I do not beg assistance from you.
26Your reproof can neither stop my speaking, nor can I bear the tone of your oration:
27because, you not only fall upon the orphan, but also insult your friend.
28But now, having looked you in the face, I will not lie.
29Sit down I pray you, and let there be no more reproaches. Indeed, you again meet a righteous man.
30For there are no reproaches on my tongue, and as for my palate, doth it not relish wisdom?