Job 6
Job wishes his suffering could be weighed and compared to the sand of the sea, but it would be heavier, and his words are full of sorrow. He feels the Lord's arrows are in him and his spirit is drinking in the Lord's indignation. Job questions why he should be expected to be patient and strong when he has no help in himself and his loved ones have withdrawn from him. He also rebukes his friends for their empty words and lack of help, asking them to teach him if he is ignorant of anything and to pass judgment on his words without contention.
1But Job, responding, said2I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance3Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow4For the arrows of the Lord are in me, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers against me5Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger6Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death7The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods8Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect9and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down10And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not contradict the words of the Holy One11For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently12My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze13Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me14He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord15My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys16Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them17At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place18The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish19Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while20They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame21Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid22Did I say: "Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?23or, "Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?24Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me25Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me26You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind27You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend28Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie29Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment30And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat
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