1Then Job replied,
2I wish my suffering could be weighed, and all my misery put on a scale!
3If it could, it would be heavier than all the sand in the seas. No wonder I spoke so recklessly.
4Because the arrows of the Almighty are stuck in me, my spirit drinks their poison. God’s terrors are lined up against me.
5Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass to eat? Does an ox make noise when it has hay?
6Can bland food be eaten without salt? Is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7My soul refuses to touch such things; they are like sickening food to me.
8Oh, I wish my request would be granted! I wish God would give me what I long for—
9that God would be pleased to crush me, that he would let go of his hand and cut me off!
10Let me still find comfort in this, and let me rejoice in pain that doesn’t end, because I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11What strength do I have to keep waiting? What is my purpose, that I should be patient?
12Am I as strong as rocks? Is my flesh made of bronze?
13Isn’t it true that I have no help within me, and wisdom has completely left me?
14Friends should show kindness to someone who is despairing, even to someone who has given up respect for the Almighty.
15My brothers have been as unreliable as a seasonal stream, like the channels of streams that dry up and disappear.
16These streams are dark because of the ice, hidden by snow.
17But in the dry season, they vanish. When it's hot, they disappear from their place.
18Caravans traveling beside them turn away. They go into the desert and die.
19The caravans from Tema looked for them. The traders from Sheba waited for them.
20They were distressed because they had been confident. When they arrived there, they were confused.
21For now, you are nothing. You see something terrifying and are afraid.
22Did I ask you to give me something? Or to offer a gift from your possessions for me?
23Or to save me from an enemy? Or to free me from those who oppress me?
24Teach me, and I will be quiet. Help me understand how I have made a mistake.
25Honest words are so powerful! But what do your criticisms actually prove?
26Do you intend to criticize mere words, since the speeches of a desperate person are like wind?
27Yes, you would even gamble for orphans and trade your friend for profit.
28So please look at me now, because I certainly won't lie to your face.
29Please stop. Let there be no injustice. Yes, stop again. My case is fair.
30Am I speaking dishonestly? Can't I tell when something is wrong?