[1] Then Job answered: [2] I’ve heard many things like these. All of you are sorry comforters. [3] Will windy talk ever cease; what bothers you that you must argue? [4] In your situation I could speak like you; I could put words together to oppose you, shake my head over you. [5] I could heap up words, strengthen you with my speech; my trembling lips would be held in check. [6] If I speak, my pain is not eased; if I hold back, what have I lost? [7] Now God has surely worn me out. You have destroyed my entire group, [8] seized me, which became grounds for an accusation. My leanness rises to bear witness against me. [9] His anger tears me and afflicts me; he slashes at me with his teeth. My enemy pierces me with his eyes. [10] They open their mouths at me and strike my cheek in a taunt; they gang up on me. [11] God delivers me to a criminal and forces me into the hands of the wicked. [12] I was at rest, but he shattered me, seized me by the back of my neck, dashed me into pieces; he raised me up for his target. [13] His archers surround me; he cuts my kidneys open without pity and doesn’t care, pours my gall on the ground, [14] bursts me open over and over, runs against me like a strong man. [15] I’ve sewed rough cloth over my skin and buried my dignity in the dust. [16] My face is red from crying, and dark gloom hangs on my eyelids. [17] But there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. [18] Earth, don’t cover my blood; let my outcry never cease. [19] Surely now my witness stands in heaven; my advocate is on high; [20] my go-between, my friend. While my eyes drip tears to God, [21] let him plead with God for a human being, like a person pleads for a friend. [22] A number of years will surely pass, and then I’ll walk a path that I won’t return.
