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