NRSV Job 6 Chapter
6:1
Then Job answered:
6:2
"O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
6:3
For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.
6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
6:5
Does the wild ass bray over its grass, or the ox low over its fodder?
6:6
Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any flavor in the juice of mallows?
6:7
My appetite refuses to touch them; they are like food that is loathsome to me.
6:8
"O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire;
6:9
that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
6:10
This would be my consolation; I would even exult in unrelenting pain; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
6:11
What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
6:12
Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
6:13
In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
6:14
"Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty.
6:15
My companions are treacherous like a torrent-bed, like freshets that pass away,
6:16
that run dark with ice, turbid with melting snow.
6:17
In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
6:18
The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste, and perish.
6:19
The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope.
6:20
They are disappointed because they were confident; they come there and are confounded.
6:21
Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.
6:22
Have I said, 'Make me a gift'? Or, 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me'?
6:23
Or, 'Save me from an opponent's hand'? Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?
6:24
"Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone wrong.
6:25
How forceful are honest words! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
6:26
Do you think that you can reprove words, as if the speech of the desperate were wind?
6:27
You would even cast lots over the orphan, and bargain over your friend.
6:28
"But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face.
6:29
Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake.
6:30
Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?