Verse 1
Then Job answered,
Verse 2
"I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!
Verse 3
Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?
Verse 4
I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,
Verse 5
but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.
Verse 6
"Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?
Verse 7
But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.
Verse 8
You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.
Verse 9
He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
Verse 10
They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.
Verse 11
God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
Verse 12
I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target.
Verse 13
His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.
Verse 14
He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant.
Verse 15
I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.
Verse 16
My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.
Verse 17
Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.
Verse 18
"Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.
Verse 19
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.
Verse 20
My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,
Verse 21
that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!
Verse 22
For when a few years are come, I shall go the way of no return.