although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

O earth, do not cover thou my blood, and let my cry have no [resting] place.

that he would maintain the right of a man with God, and of a son of man with his neighbor!

For when a few years are come, I shall go the way where I shall not return.

Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who vouches for me is on high.

My friends scoff at me. My eye pours out tears to God

Then Job answered, and said,

He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed upon me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes upon me.

I also could speak as ye do, if your soul were in my soul's stead. I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you.

I have heard many such things. Miserable comforters are ye all.

I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yea, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his mark.

I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and have laid my horn in the dust.

[But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage [your grief].

His archers encompass me round about. He splits my reins apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall upon the ground.

Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged, and though I forbear, what am I eased?

And thou have laid fast hold on me, [which] is a witness [against me]. And my leanness rises up against me; it testifies to my face.

My face is red with weeping, and the shadow of death is on my eyelids,

They have gaped upon me with their mouth. They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

But now he has made me weary. Thou have made desolate all my company.

He breaks me with breach upon breach. He runs upon me like a giant.

God delivers me to the perverse, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes thee that thou answer?