I have refused to touch such things; they are like loathsome food to me.

And that God would be willing to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and kill me.

"Oh that my request would be realized, and that God would grant me what I long for!

"To the one in despair, kindness should come from his friend even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Is not my power to help myself nothing, and has not every resource been driven from me?

The caravans of Tema looked intently for these streams; the traveling merchants of Sheba hoped for them.

Then I would yet have my comfort, then I would rejoice, in spite of pitiless pain, for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

What is my strength, that I should wait? and what is my end, that I should prolong my life?

Is my strength like that of stones? or is my flesh made of bronze?

My brothers have been as treacherous as a seasonal stream, and as the riverbeds of the intermittent streams that flow away.

Can food that is tasteless be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks their poison; God's sudden terrors are arrayed against me.

Then Job responded:

"Teach me and I, for my part, will be silent; explain to me how I have been mistaken.

They are dark because of ice; snow is piled up over them.

For now you have become like these streams that are no help; you see a terror, and are afraid.

"Have I ever said, 'Give me something, and from your fortune make gifts in my favor'?

"Does the wild donkey bray when it is near grass? Or does the ox low near its fodder?

When they are scorched, they dry up, when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

"Oh, if only my grief could be weighed, and my misfortune laid on the scales too!

But because it is heavier than the sand of the sea, that is why my words have been wild.

Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.

Yes, you would gamble for the fatherless, and auction off your friend.

How painful are honest words! But what does your reproof prove?

They were distressed, because each one had been so confident; they arrived there, but were disappointed.

Or 'Deliver me from the enemy's power, and from the hand of tyrants ransom me'?

Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?

Is there any falsehood on my lips? Can my mouth not discern evil things?

"Now then, be good enough to look at me; and I will not lie to your face!

Relent, let there be no falsehood; reconsider, for my righteousness is intact!