Job 6 – read and compare multiple versions
Job 6
[1] Then Job answered,
[2] “Oh that my anguish were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas,
therefore my words have been rash.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me.
My spirit drinks up their poison.
The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
[5] Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or does the ox low over his fodder?
[6] Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] My soul refuses to touch them.
They are as loathsome food to me. [8] “Oh that I might have my request,
that God would grant the thing that I long for,
[9] even that it would please God to crush me;
that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
[10] Let it still be my consolation,
yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare,
that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should wait?
What is my end, that I should be patient?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh of bronze?
[13] Isn’t it that I have no help in me,
that wisdom is driven away from me? [14] “To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend;
even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook,
as the channel of brooks that pass away;
[16] which are black by reason of the ice,
in which the snow hides itself.
[17] In the dry season, they vanish.
When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
[18] The caravans that travel beside them turn away.
They go up into the waste, and perish.
[19] The caravans of Tema looked.
The companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were distressed because they were confident.
They came there, and were confounded.
[21] For now you are nothing.
You see a terror, and are afraid.
[22] Did I ever say, ‘Give to me’?
or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance’?
[23] or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand’?
or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors’? [24] “Teach me, and I will hold my peace.
Cause me to understand my error.
[25] How forcible are words of uprightness!
But your reproof, what does it reprove?
[26] Do you intend to reprove words,
since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
[27] Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless,
and make merchandise of your friend.
[28] Now therefore be pleased to look at me,
for surely I will not lie to your face.
[29] Please return.
Let there be no injustice.
Yes, return again.
My cause is righteous.
[30] Is there injustice on my tongue?
Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?
[2] “Oh that my anguish were weighed,
and all my calamity laid in the balances!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas,
therefore my words have been rash.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me.
My spirit drinks up their poison.
The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
[5] Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or does the ox low over his fodder?
[6] Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
[7] My soul refuses to touch them.
They are as loathsome food to me. [8] “Oh that I might have my request,
that God would grant the thing that I long for,
[9] even that it would please God to crush me;
that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
[10] Let it still be my consolation,
yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare,
that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should wait?
What is my end, that I should be patient?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh of bronze?
[13] Isn’t it that I have no help in me,
that wisdom is driven away from me? [14] “To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend;
even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook,
as the channel of brooks that pass away;
[16] which are black by reason of the ice,
in which the snow hides itself.
[17] In the dry season, they vanish.
When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
[18] The caravans that travel beside them turn away.
They go up into the waste, and perish.
[19] The caravans of Tema looked.
The companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were distressed because they were confident.
They came there, and were confounded.
[21] For now you are nothing.
You see a terror, and are afraid.
[22] Did I ever say, ‘Give to me’?
or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance’?
[23] or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand’?
or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors’? [24] “Teach me, and I will hold my peace.
Cause me to understand my error.
[25] How forcible are words of uprightness!
But your reproof, what does it reprove?
[26] Do you intend to reprove words,
since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
[27] Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless,
and make merchandise of your friend.
[28] Now therefore be pleased to look at me,
for surely I will not lie to your face.
[29] Please return.
Let there be no injustice.
Yes, return again.
My cause is righteous.
[30] Is there injustice on my tongue?
Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?