Job 6

Job’s Pain Is Too Much to Bear

1 Then Job answered,

2 “If my misery could be weighed, and my trouble piled on the scales,

3 It would outweigh the sand of the seas, no wonder my words are wild.

4 The arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison, and God’s terrors line up against me.

5 Does a wild donkey bray when it has grass, or an ox low when it has fodder,

6 Is bland food eaten without salt, Is there any flavor in the white of an egg,

7 I refuse to touch such food; it makes me sick.

Job Wishes God Would End His Life

8 Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,

9 That God would crush me, that He would let His hand loose and cut me off!

10 At least I would have this comfort, despite my pain, I never denied the words of the Holy One.

11 What strength do I have, that I should keep hoping, What is my end, that I should keep going,

12 Do I have the strength of stone, Is my body bronze,

13 Do I have any power to help myself now that success is driven from me,

Job Calls Out His Friends

14 Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15 But my brothers are as unreliable as seasonal streams, as rivers that overflow when darkened by thawing ice,

16 But stop flowing in the heat, vanishing from their channels.

17 Caravans turn aside to look for them; they go off into the wasteland and perish.

18 The caravans from Tema look for water, the traveling merchants from Sheba hope for it.

19 They are distressed because they had been confident; they arrive there only to be disappointed.

20 Now you have proved to be of no help; you see my disaster and are afraid.

Job Pleads for Understanding

21 Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf,’ or ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth’,

22 Have I asked you to rescue me from my enemy’s hand, or to save me from ruthless people,

23 Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have gone wrong.

24 Honest words are painful, but what do your arguments prove,

25 Do you mean to correct what I say, and treat my desperate words like wind,

26 You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.

27 But now, be so kind as to look at me; I will not lie to your face.

28 Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.

29 Is there any wickedness on my lips, Can my mouth not discern malice?”