The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful food.

Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

To him that is afflicted pity should be shown from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?

The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Then should I yet have comfort; yes, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

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

Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?

My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

Can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison of which drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God set themselves in array against me.

But Job answered and said,

Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand in what I have erred.

Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and in which the snow is hid:

For now ye are nothing: ye see my casting down, and are afraid.

Did I say, Bring to me? or Give a reward for me of your substance?

Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

In the time when they become warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

Oh that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.

The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

Yes, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.

How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.

Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?

Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?

Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident to you if I lie.

Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yes, return again, my righteousness is in it.