[1] Then Job spoke again:
[2] “If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales,
[3] they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.
[4] For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. Their poison infects my spirit. God’s terrors are lined up against me.
[5] Don’t I have a right to complain? Don’t wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food?
[6] Don’t people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg?
[7] My appetite disappears when I look at it; I gag at the thought of eating it!
[8] “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.
[9] I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me.
[10] At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
[11] But I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.
[12] Do I have the strength of a stone? Is my body made of bronze?
[13] No, I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success.
[14] “One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring
[16] when it is swollen with ice and melting snow.
[17] But when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. The brook vanishes in the heat.
[18] The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die.
[19] The caravans from Tema search for this water; the travelers from Sheba hope to find it.
[20] They count on it but are disappointed. When they arrive, their hopes are dashed.
[21] You, too, have given no help. You have seen my calamity, and you are afraid.
[22] But why? Have I ever asked you for a gift? Have I begged for anything of yours for myself?
[23] Have I asked you to rescue me from my enemies, or to save me from ruthless people?
[24] Teach me, and I will keep quiet. Show me what I have done wrong.
[25] Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
[26] Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?
[27] You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.
[28] Look at me! Would I lie to your face?
[29] Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong.
[30] Do you think I am lying? Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong?