JobChapter 6
Tap any verse to comment or suggest a better wording.
1Then Job answered: 2"I wish my grief could be weighed.
I wish my disaster could be put on the scales with it. 3For then it would weigh more than the sand of the seas.
No wonder my words have been wild. 4For the arrows of the Almighty have stuck into me.
My spirit drinks in their poison.
The terrors of God are lined up against me. 5Does a wild donkey bray when it has fresh grass?
Does an ox moo when it has food? 6Can food with no taste be eaten without salt?
Is there any flavor in the white of an egg? 7I won't touch such things.
They are like sickening food to me. 8I wish I could have what I ask for.
I wish God would give me what I hope for. 9I wish God would be willing to crush me.
I wish he would reach out his hand and cut off my life! 10It still gives me comfort,
and joy in pain that never lets up,
that I have not turned away from the words of the Holy One. 11What strength do I have, that I should keep hoping?
What future do I have, that I should be patient? 12Is my strength like the strength of stone?
Is my body made of bronze? 13Is there any help left inside me?
All my success has been driven away. 14A man without hope should have kindness from his friend,
even if he stops fearing the Almighty. 15But my brothers can't be trusted, like streams in a dry valley.
They are like streams that flood only in some seasons. 16They are dark because of the ice.
They fill up with melting snow. 17But they stop flowing in the dry season.
In the heat they disappear from their beds. 18Groups of traders turn off their paths.
They go out into the desert and die. 19The traders of Tema look for water.
The travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20They are upset because they had hoped.
When they get there, they are let down. 21For now you are no help to me.
You see something terrible, and you are afraid. 22Have I ever said, 'Give me something'?
Have I said, 'Pay a bribe for me from your riches'? 23Have I said, 'Save me from the hand of my enemy'?
Have I said, 'Redeem me from the grip of cruel people'? 24Teach me, and I will be quiet.
Show me how I have gone wrong. 25Honest words can hurt so much!
But what do your arguments prove? 26Do you mean to correct my words?
Do you treat my cry of pain like wind? 27You would even cast lots for an orphan.
You would trade away your own friend. 28But now, please look at me.
Would I lie to your face? 29Think again. Don't be unfair.
Think again, for my righteousness is on the line. 30Is there anything evil on my tongue?
Can't my mouth taste what is wrong?"