1 Then Job answered and said:
2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,
3 They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty pierce me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7 I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8 Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:
9 Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!
10 Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.
11 What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?
12 Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?
13 Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?
14 A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;
16 Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,
17 Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;
20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.
21 It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.
22 Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,
23 Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?
24 Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.
25 How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!
26 Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?
27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!
28 Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.
29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.
30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?