16:1 |
Then Job answered, |
16:2 |
"I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters! |
16:3 |
Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? |
16:4 |
I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you, |
16:5 |
but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you. |
16:6 |
"Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased? |
16:7 |
But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company. |
16:8 |
You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. |
16:9 |
He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. |
16:10 |
They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. |
16:11 |
God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. |
16:12 |
I was at ease, and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. He has also set me up for his target. |
16:13 |
His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground. |
16:14 |
He breaks me with breach on breach. He runs on me like a giant. |
16:15 |
I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust. |
16:16 |
My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids. |
16:17 |
Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. |
16:18 |
"Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest. |
16:19 |
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high. |
16:20 |
My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God, |
16:21 |
that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor! |
16:22 |
For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return. |