Job 6

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just [1] Then Job answered and said: [2] “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! [3] For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. [4] For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. [5] Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder? [6] Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow? [7] My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me. [8] “Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope, [9] that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! [10] This would be my comfort; I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One. [11] What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? [12] Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? [13] Have I any help in me, when resource is driven from me? [14] “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. [15] My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away, [16] which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. [17] When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place. [18] The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste and perish. [19] The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope. [20] They are ashamed because they were confident; they come there and are disappointed. [21] For you have now become nothing; you see my calamity and are afraid. [22] Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’? [23] Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’? [24] “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. [25] How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove? [26] Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? [27] You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. [28] “But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. [29] Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. [30] Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity? (ESV)