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[1]But Job answered, and said:
[2]O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, and the calamity that I suffer, were weighed in a balance.
[3]As the sand of the sea this would appear heavier: therefore my words are full of sorrow :
[4]For the arrows of the Lord are in me, the rage whereof drinketh up my spirit, and the terrors of the Lord war against me.
[5]Will the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or will the ox low when he standeth before a full manger?
[6]Or can an unsavoury thing be eaten, that is not seasoned with salt? or can a man taste that which when tasted bringeth death?
[7]The things which before my soul would not touch, now, through anguish are my meats.
[8]Who will grant that my request may come: and that God may give me what I look for?
[9]And that he that hath begun may destroy me, that he may let loose his hand, and cut me off?
[10]And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I contradict the words of the Holy One.
[11]For what is my strength, that I can hold out? or what is my end that I should keep patience?
[12]My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.
[13]Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.
[14]He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
[15]My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
[16]They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.
[17]At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot they shall be melted out of their place.
[18]The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.
[19]Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
[20]They are confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.
[21]Now you are come: and now seeing my affliction you are afraid.
[22]Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?
[23]Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?
[24]Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant in any thing, instruct me.
[25]Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?
[26]You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.
[27]You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.
[28]However finish what you have begun, give ear, and see whether I lie.
[29]Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.
[30]And you shall not And iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.
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