Job 18:2–4

“How long will you hunt for words?

Consider, and then we will speak.

Why are we counted as cattle?

Why are we stupid in your sight?

You who tear yourself in your anger,

shall the earth be forsaken for you,

or the rock be removed out of its place?

“When will you end these speeches?

Be sensible, and then we can talk.

Why are we regarded as cattle

and considered stupid in your sight?

You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger,

is the earth to be abandoned for your sake?

Or must the rocks be moved from their place?

How long until you stop talking?

Show some sense, and then we can talk.

Why are we regarded as cattle,

as stupid in your sight?

You who tear yourself in anger—

should the earth be abandoned on your account,

or a rock be removed from its place?

“How long before you stop talking?

Speak sense if you want us to answer!

Do you think we are mere animals?

Do you think we are stupid?

You may tear out your hair in anger,

but will that destroy the earth?

Will it make the rocks tremble?

“How long will you hunt for words?

Consider, and afterward we shall speak.

Why are we considered as animals?

Why are we taken as stupid in your eyes?

“You who are tearing yourself in your anger,

will the earth be forsaken because of you?

Or will the rock be removed from its place?

How long will it be ere ye make an end of words?

Mark, and afterwards we will speak.

Wherefore are we counted as beasts,

And reputed vile in your sight?

He teareth himself in his anger:

Shall the earth be forsaken for thee?

And shall the rock be removed out of his place?