6:1
Then Job answered and said:
6:2
Oh that my vexation were but weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances altogether!
6:3
For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore are my words broken.
6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof my spirit drinketh up; the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
6:5
Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?
6:6
Can that which hath no savour be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the juice of mallows?
6:7
My soul refuseth to touch them; they are as the sickness of my flesh.
6:8
Oh that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
6:9
Even that it would please God to crush me; that He would let loose His hand, and cut me off!
6:10
Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would exult in pain, though He spare not; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
6:11
What is my strength, that I should wait? and what is mine end, that I should be patient?
6:12
Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
6:13
Is it that I have no help in me, and that sound wisdom is driven quite from me?
6:14
To him that is ready to faint kindness is due from his friend, even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
6:15
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that overflow,
6:16
Which are black by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow hideth itself;
6:17
What time they wax warm, they vanish, when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
6:18
The paths of their way do wind, they go up into the waste, and are lost.
6:19
The caravans of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them--
6:20
They were ashamed because they had hoped; they came thither, and were confounded.
6:21
For now ye are become His; ye see a terror, and are afraid.
6:22
Did I say: 'Give unto me'? or: 'Offer a present for me of your substance'?
6:23
or: 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? or: 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors'?
6:24
Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
6:25
How forcible are words of uprightness! But what doth your arguing argue?
6:26
Do ye hold words to be an argument, but the speeches of one that is desperate to be wind?
6:27
Yea, ye would cast lots upon the fatherless, and dig a pit for your friend.
6:28
Now therefore be pleased to look upon me; for surely I shall not lie to your face.
6:29
Return, I pray you, let there be no injustice; yea, return again, my cause is righteous.
6:30
Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern crafty devices?