Job: My complaint is just
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“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
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For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash.
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For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
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Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
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Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg (a)?
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My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
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If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
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that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
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It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
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What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
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Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
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Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
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A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
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But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
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darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
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but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
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Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
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The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
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They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
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For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
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Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
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deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
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Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
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How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
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Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
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You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
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But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
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Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
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Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?
Footnotes