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Chapter 6

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Then Job answered and said:

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Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

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They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.

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For the arrows of the Almighty pierce me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

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¹ Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?

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Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

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I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

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Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:

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Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

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Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.

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What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?

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Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?

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Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?

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A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

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My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;

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Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,

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Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.

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Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.

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² The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;

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They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.

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It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.

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Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,

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Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?

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Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.

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How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!

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Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

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You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!

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Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.

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Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.

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Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?