1Then Job answered and said: 2Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, and my calamity laid with it on the scales! 3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5Does the wild ass bray when it has grass, or does the ox low over its fodder? 6Can something tasteless be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7My soul refuses to touch them; they are as sickening food. 8Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant me the thing that I long for; 9that it would please God to crush me, that He would loose His hand and cut me off! 10Then I would still have comfort; though in anguish, I would leap for joy; let Him not spare; for I have not hidden the Words of the Holy One. 11What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life? 12Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze? 13Is my help not within me? And is wisdom driven from me? 14To him who is despairing, kindness should be shown by his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15My brothers have dealt deceitfully. Like a brook, like the streams of the brooks, they pass away; 16which are dark because of the ice, and into which the snow vanishes. 17When it is warm, they stop flowing; when it is hot, they dry up from their place. 18The paths of their journey are winding; they go into nothingness and vanish. 19The wanderers of Tema have paid attention; the travelers of Sheba have looked for them. 20They are disappointed because they had been confident, but when they had come there they were abashed. 21Surely now you are nothing; you see terror and are afraid. 22Did I ever say, Bring something to me? Or, Offer a bribe for me from your wealth? 23Or, Deliver me from the hand of the adversary? Or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty? 24Teach me, and I will keep silent; cause me to understand in what way I have erred. 25Right words are grievous, but what does your rebuke prove? 26Do you intend to rebuke the words and the speeches of one in despair, as wind? 27Yea, you throw down the fatherless, and dig a pit for your friend. 28Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; for my face will tell if I am lying. 29Turn back, let there be no injustice! Yea, turn back; my righteousness still stands! 30Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?