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

"Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

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

For when a few years are come, I shall go the way of no return.

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

My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

Then Job answered,

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

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

"I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

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

I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground.

"Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.

They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.

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

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

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