1Then Job answered and said,
2Oh that my vexation were but weighed,
3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas:
4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me,
5Doth the wild donkey bray when he hath grass?
6Can that which hath no savor be eaten without salt?
7My soul refuseth to touch [them]; They are as loathsome food to me.
8Oh that I might have my request; And that God would grant [me] the thing that I long for!
9Even that it would please God to crush me; That he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10And be it still my consolation,
11What is my strength, that I should wait?
12Is my strength the strength of stones?
13Is it not that I have no help in me,
14To him that is ready to faint kindness [should be showed] from his friend; Even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook,
16Which are black by reason of the ice,
17What time they wax warm, they vanish; When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18The caravans [that travel] by the way of them turn aside; They go up into the waste, and perish.
19The caravans of Tema looked,
20They were put to shame because they had hoped; They came thither, and were confounded.
21For now ye are nothing; Ye see a terror, and are afraid.
22Did I say, Give unto me?
23Or, Deliver me from the adversary's hand?
24Teach me, and I will hold my peace; And cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25How forcible are words of uprightness!
26Do ye think to reprove words,
27Yea, ye would cast [lots] upon the fatherless,
28Now therefore be pleased to look upon me; For surely I shall not lie to your face.
29Return, I pray you, let there be no injustice; Yea, return again, my cause is righteous.
30Is there injustice on my tongue?