Job 17

Job Feels Surrounded by Death

1 “My spirit’s broken, my days are cut short, the grave’s waiting for me.

2 Mockers are right here with me, my eyes must watch all this hostility.

3 God, put up some security for me. Who else is going to back me up with a handshake,

4 You shut their minds off from understanding, so do not let them win over me.

5 They talk sweet with friends while snitching for gain, but their kids are going to end up broke.”

Job Feels Betrayed and Alone

6 “God made me the punchline for the people; they spit in my face.

7 My eyes grow dim from crying, my whole body just bones and shadow.

8 Good people are shocked by this, the innocent rise up against the godless.

9 But the righteous hold to their path, and clean hands get stronger.”

Job Sees No Hope

10 “But you all, come on back again, all of you, because I do not see a single wise man among you.

11 My days are gone, my plans are wrecked, the desires of my heart are crushed.

12 They make night into day; they think light is right here in the face of darkness.

13 If I wait, the grave’s my house; I will spread my bed in the darkness.

14 I will call the pit my father, and worms my mama and sister.

15 So where is my hope, Who has even going to see it,

16 Will hope go down with me to the grave, Will we both rest together in the dust?”