1 Job said:
2 It's impossible to weighmy misery and grief!
3 They outweigh the sandalong the beach,and that's why I have spokenwithout thinking first.
4 The fearsome arrowsof God All-Powerfulhave filled my soulwith their poison.
5 Do oxen and wild donkeyscry out in distressunless they are hungry?
6 What is food without salt?What is more tastelessthan the white of an egg?
7 That's how my food tastes,and my appetite is gone.
8-9 How I wish that Godwould answer my prayerand do away with me.
10 Then I would be comforted,knowing that in all my painI have never disobeyed God.
11 Why should I patiently hopewhen my strength is gone?
12 I am not strong as stoneor bronze,
13 and I have finally reachedthe end of my rope.
14 My friends, I am desperate,and you should help me,even if I no longer respectGod All-Powerful.
15-16 But you are treacherousas streams that swellwith melting snow,
17 then suddenly disappearin the summer heat.
18 I am like a caravan,lost in the desertwhile searching for water.
19 Caravans from Tema and Sheba
20 thought they would find water.But they were disappointed,
21 just as I am with you.Only one look at my suffering,and you run away scared.
22 Have I ever asked any of youto give me a gift
23 or to purchase my freedomfrom brutal enemies?
24 What have I done wrong?Show me,and I will keep quiet.
25 The truth is always painful,but your argumentsprove nothing.
26 Here I am desperate,and you consider my wordsas worthless as wind.
27 Why, you would sell an orphanor your own neighbour!
28 Look me straight in the eye;I won't lie to you.
29 Stop accusing me falsely;my reputation is at stake.
30 I know right from wrong,and I am not telling lies.