1And Job answered and said:
2Oh that my vexation were surely weighed, and my calamity lifted in the balances together!
3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words have been rash.
4For the arrows of Shaddai are with me, whose poison my spirit (ruach) drinks; the terrors of God array themselves against me.
5Does the wild donkey bray over grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6Can what is tasteless be eaten without salt? Or is there taste in the juice of the mallow?
7My soul (nephesh) refuses to touch them; they are as the sickness of my food.
8Oh that my request would come, and that God would grant my hope!
9And that God would be willing to crush me, that he would loose his hand and cut me off!
10And it would still be my comfort, and I would exult in pain unsparing; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should prolong my soul (nephesh)?
12Is my strength the strength of stones? Is my flesh (basar) bronze?
13Is there no help within me, and is sound wisdom driven from me?
14To the despairing one, kindness from his friend; even when he forsakes the fear of Shaddai.
15My brothers have dealt treacherously like a wadi, like the channel of wadis that pass away,
16which are dark because of the ice, over which the snow hides itself.
17At the time they grow warm, they vanish; when it is hot, they are extinguished from their place.
18The paths of their way wind about; they go up into the waste and perish.
19The caravans of Tema looked; the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20They were ashamed because they had trusted; they came to it and were confounded.
21For now you have become like it; you see a terror and are afraid.
22Did I say, "Give to me"? Or, "From your wealth offer a bribe on my behalf"?
23Or, "Deliver me from the hand of the foe, and from the hand of the ruthless redeem me"?
24Teach me, and I will be silent; and show me in what I have erred.
25How forceful are words of uprightness! But what does reproof from you reprove?
26Do you think to reprove words, and the speeches of a despairing one for the spirit (ruach)?
27Indeed, you would cast lots over the orphan, and dig a pit against your friend.
28And now, be willing, turn to me; surely I will not lie to your face.
29Return, please, let there be no injustice; yes, return again, my righteousness is in it.
30Is there injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern calamities?