[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 find iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.