[1] Then Job answered and said, [2] I have heard many such things: Miserable comforters are ye all. [3] Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest? [4] I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. [5] But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage your grief. [6] Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; And though I forbear, what am I eased? [7] But now he hath made me weary: Thou hast made desolate all my company. [8] And thou hast laid fast hold on me, which is a witness against me: And my leanness riseth up against me, It testifieth to my face. [9] He hath torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me; He hath gnashed upon me with his teeth: Mine adversary sharpeneth his eyes upon me. [10] They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me. [11] God delivereth me to the ungodly, And casteth me into the hands of the wicked. [12] I was at ease, and he brake me asunder; Yea, he hath taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces: He hath also set me up for his mark. [13] His archers compass me round about; He cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; He poureth out my gall upon the ground. [14] He breaketh me with breach upon breach; He runneth upon me like a giant. [15] I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, And have laid my horn in the dust. [16] My face is red with weeping, And on my eyelids is the shadow of death; [17] Although there is no violence in my hands, And my prayer is pure. [18] O earth, cover not thou my blood, And let my cry have no resting-place. [19] Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And he that voucheth for me is on high. [20] My friends scoff at me: But mine eye poureth out tears unto God, [21] That he would maintain the right of a man with God, And of a son of man with his neighbor! [22] For when a few years are come, I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
