Open English Translation JOB Chapter 6

6 Then Iyyov (Job) responded:

2 If only my anguish could be truly weighed,

and my calamity could be put together with it on the scales.

3 Because now it would be heavier than the sand on the beaches

so that’s why my words have been so rash.

4 Because the arrows of God the provider are in me.

My spirit is drinking in their poison.

God’s terrors are set out against me.

5 Does a wild donkey bray when it has fresh grass to eat,

or a ox bellow when it has its fodder?

6 Do people eat tasteless food without adding salt,

≈or enjoy the taste of purslane leaves by itself?

7 My soul refuses to touch them—

they are like detestable food to me.

8 Who will give me my request?

≈May God give me what I hope for.

9 If only God would be willing to crush me.

≈May he play his hand and cut me off.

10 It still comforts me and gives me inner joy through never-ending pain,

that I haven’t denied the words of the holy one.

11 I don’t have the strength to keep waiting.

≈What future do I have, that I should want to go on living?

12 Am I strong like rock?

≈Is my body made of bronze?

13 Am I in a position to help myself?

It seems that success has been driven away from me.

14 When a man’s in despair, surely his friend should be kind

even if the man stops honouring God the provider.

15 My ‘brothers’ have been as treacherous as a river that dries up in the summer.

They disappear again like dry river beds.

16 They go dark from the ice over them,

and they hide themselves when covered with snow.

17 At the time when they should be flowing, they’re silenced.

When it’s hot, they dry up from their channels.

18 Their paths twist in their courses,

they go out into the wasteland and end there.

19 The camel caravans from Tema look for water.

The caravans from Sheba keep looking forward to them.

20 They were distressed because they had been confident.

They’ve come to the dry stream bed and were stunned.

21 Now you have become of no help.

You see the terror and you’re afraid.

22 Have I ever asked you to give me something?

≈Or to give me a reward from your wealth?

23 Or to save me from my enemy in battle?

Or to pay a ransom to ruthless people in order to free me?

24 Teach me and then I’ll be quiet.

Explain to me where I’ve gone wrong.

25 Truthful words are so painful.

But what does your proof prove to anyone?

26 Do you plan to correct my words?

Do you consider the words of someone in despair to be like wind?

27 You would even draw straws for a fatherless child.

You would make money out of your friend.

28 So now, look at me willingly.

Would I lie to your face?

29 Please turn back—don’t let there be injustice.

≈Turn now—my cause is righteous.

30 Am I being unfair?

Am I incapable of discerning evil?