“For my groaning comes at the sight of my food,
And my cries [of despair] are poured out like water.

“The caravans of Tema looked [for water],
The caravans of Sheba waited for them [in vain].

“They were put to shame and disappointed because they had trusted [that they would find water];
They came there and were ashamed.

“Will they (the fathers) not teach you and tell you,
And utter words from their hearts [the deepest part of their nature]?

“Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh?
Can the rushes or reed grass grow without water?

“While it is still green (in flower) and not cut down,
Yet it withers before any other plant [when without water].

Yet at the scent of water [the stump of the tree] will flourish
And bring forth sprigs and shoots like a seedling.

“Should a wise man [such as you] utter such windy and vain knowledge [as we have just heard]
And fill himself with the east wind [of withering, parching, and violent accusations]?

How much less [pure and clean is] the one who is repulsive and corrupt,
Man, who drinks unrighteousness and injustice like water!

“You have not given water to the weary to drink,
And you have withheld bread from the hungry.

Or darkness, so that you cannot see,
And a flood of water covers you.

My lips will not speak unjustly,
Nor will my tongue utter deceit.

“My words will express the uprightness of my heart,
And my lips will speak what they know with utter sincerity.

“What man is like Job,
Who drinks up derision like water,

“For He draws up the drops of water,
They distill rain from the mist,

“Who can count the clouds by [earthly] wisdom,
Or pour out the water jars of the heavens,

“Who can penetrate or strip off his outer armor?
Who can come to his jaws with a double bridle?