1 In response, Job said: ISV — Job 16:1
2 “I’ve heard many things like this. What miserable comforters you all are! ISV — Job 16:2
3 Will windy words like yours never end? What is upsetting you that you keep on arguing? ISV — Job 16:3
4 “I could also talk like you if only you were in my place! Then I would put together an argument a16:4 Lit. together words against you. I would shake my head at you ISV — Job 16:4
5 and encourage you with what I have to say; b16:5 Lit. with my mouth my words of comfort would lessen your pain. ISV — Job 16:5
6 “But if I speak, my pain isn’t assuaged; if I refrain from speaking, what do I have to lose?” ISV — Job 16:6
7 “God c16:7 Lit. He has certainly worn me out; you devastated my entire world. d16:7 Lit. community ISV — Job 16:7
8 You’ve arrested me, making me testify against myself! My leanness rises up to attack me, accusing e16:8 Lit. testifying me to my face. ISV — Job 16:8
9 His anger tears me in his persistent resentment against me; he gnashes his teeth at me. My adversary glares f16:9 Lit. sharpens his eyes at me. ISV — Job 16:9
10 People gaped at me with mouths wide open; they slap me in their scorn and gather together against me. ISV — Job 16:10
11 God has delivered me over to the ungodly, throwing me into the control of the wicked. ISV — Job 16:11
12 “He tore me apart when I was at ease; grabbing me by my neck, he shook me to pieces— then he really made me his target. ISV — Job 16:12
13 His archers surround me, slashing open my kidneys without pity; he pours out my gall on the ground. ISV — Job 16:13
14 Attack follows attack as he breaks through my defenses! He runs over me like a mighty warrior. ISV — Job 16:14
15 “I’ve even sewn sackcloth directly to my skin; I’ve buried my strength g16:15 Lit. horn in the dust. ISV — Job 16:15
16 My face is red from my tears, and dark shadows encircle my eyelids, ISV — Job 16:16
17 even though violence is not my intention, and my prayer is pure.” ISV — Job 16:17
18 “Listen, earth! Don’t cover my blood, for my outcry has no place to rest. ISV — Job 16:18
19 Even now, behold! I have a witness in heaven, my Advocate is on high. ISV — Job 16:19
20 My friends mock me, while my eyes overflow with tears to God, ISV — Job 16:20
21 crying for him to arbitrate between this h16:21 The Heb. lacks this man and God; as a human being does with his fellow neighbor. ISV — Job 16:21
22 For when only a few years have elapsed, I’ll start down a path from which I’ll never return.” ISV — Job 16:22