Job 6:1–13

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

6 Then Job answered and said:

2  “Oh that my vexation were weighed,

and all my calamity laid in the balances!

3  For then it would be heavier than zthe sand of the sea;

therefore my words have been rash.

4  For athe arrows of the Almighty are in me;

my spirit drinks their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5  Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass,

or the ox low over his fodder?

6  Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt,

or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow?1

7  My appetite refuses to touch them;

they are as food that is loathsome to me.2

8  “Oh that I might have my request,

and that God would fulfill my hope,

9  that it would bplease God to crush me,

that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!

10  This would be my comfort;

I would even exult3 in pain cunsparing,

for I have not denied the words of dthe Holy One.

11  What is my strength, that I should wait?

And what is my end, that I should be patient?

12  Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?

13  Have I any help in me,

when resource is driven from me?