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