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?