I refuse to touch them;
they are like contaminated food.

that He would decide to crush me,
to unleash His power and cut me off!

If only my request would be granted
and God would provide what I hope for:

A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends,
even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

Since I cannot help myself,
the hope for success has been banished from me.

The caravans of Tema look for these streams.
The traveling merchants of Sheba hope for them.

It would still bring me comfort,
and I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain
that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

What strength do I have that I should continue to hope?
What is my future, that I should be patient?

Is my strength that of stone,
or my flesh made of bronze?

My brothers are as treacherous as a wadi,
as seasonal streams that overflow

Is bland food eaten without salt?
Is there flavor in an egg white?

Surely the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me;
my spirit drinks their poison.
God’s terrors are arrayed against me.

Then Job answered:

Teach me, and I will be silent.
Help me understand what I did wrong.

and become darkened because of ice,
and the snow melts into them.

So this is what you have now become to me.
When you see something dreadful, you are afraid.

Have I ever said: “Give me something”
or “Pay a bribe for me from your wealth”

Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass
or an ox low over its fodder?

The wadis evaporate in warm weather;
they disappear from their channels in hot weather.

If only my grief could be weighed
and my devastation placed with it in the scales.

For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas!
That is why my words are rash.

Caravans turn away from their routes,
go up into the desert, and perish.

No doubt you would cast lots for a fatherless child
and negotiate a price to sell your friend.

How painful honest words can be!
But what does your rebuke prove?

They are ashamed because they had been confident of finding water.
When they arrive there, they are frustrated.

or “Deliver me from the enemy’s power”
or “Redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless”?

Do you think that you can disprove my words
or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?

Is there injustice on my tongue
or can my palate not taste disaster?

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But now, please look at me;
would I lie to your face?

Reconsider; don’t be unjust.
Reconsider; my righteousness is still the issue.