"Why did I not die at birth, and why did I not expire as I came out of the womb?

Why did the knees welcome me, and why were there two breasts that I might nurse at them?

Or why was I not buried like a stillborn infant, like infants who have never seen the light?

"Why does God give light to one who is in misery, and life to those whose soul is bitter,

Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and whom God has hedged in?

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

If I have sinned -- what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you set me as your target? Have I become a burden to you?

And why do you not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust, and you will seek me diligently, but I will be gone."

"It is all one! That is why I say, 'He destroys the blameless and the guilty.'

If I am guilty, why then weary myself in vain?

I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me; tell me why you are contending with me.'

"Why then did you bring me out from the womb? I should have died and no eye would have seen me!

Why do I put myself in peril, and take my life in my hands?

Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy?

Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash,

Why should we be regarded as beasts, and considered stupid in your sight?

Why do you pursue me like God does? Will you never be satiated with my flesh?

"This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back -- because of my feelings within me.

"Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last.

Is my complaint against a man? If so, why should I not be impatient?

"Why do the wicked go on living, grow old, even increase in power?

That is why snares surround you, and why sudden fear terrifies you,

why it is so dark you cannot see, and why a flood of water covers you.

That is why I am terrified in his presence; when I consider, I am afraid because of him.

"Why are times not appointed by the Almighty? Why do those who know him not see his days?

If you yourselves have all seen this, Why in the world do you continue this meaningless talk?

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.

Why do you contend against him, that he does not answer all a person's words?