Job 6

1 In rebuttal, Job replied:ISV — Job 6:1

2 “If only my grief could be weighed; or my calamity piled together on a balance scale!ISV — Job 6:2

3 It would weigh more than the sand on the seashore! ^{a6:3 Lit. sea} Here’s why I’ve talked so rashly:ISV — Job 6:3

4 “The arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit absorbs ^{b6:4 Lit. drinks} their poison; ^{c6:4 Lit. heat} God’s terrors have been arranged just for me!ISV — Job 6:4

5 “Will the wild donkey bray from hunger ^{d6:5 The Heb. lacks from hunger} if fresh grass is beside him? Will the ox low from distress ^{e6:5 The Heb. lacks from distress} if it is near its feed?ISV — Job 6:5

6 Tasteless food isn’t eaten without salt, is it? Is there any taste in an egg white?ISV — Job 6:6

7 I cannot bring myself to touch them; ^{f6:7 The Heb. lacks them} food like this makes me sick.”ISV — Job 6:7

8 “Who will grant my wish? ^{g6:8 Or Oh, that I might have my request;} I wish God would grant what I’m hoping for:ISV — Job 6:8

9 that God would just be willing ^{h6:9 Lit. pleased} to crush me; that he would let loose ^{i6:9 Lit. loose his hand} and eliminate me!ISV — Job 6:9

10 At least I could still take comfort and rejoice in unceasing anguish, for I didn’t conceal what the Holy One has to say.ISV — Job 6:10

11 “Do I have the strength to wait? And why ^{j6:11 Lit. And to what end} should I be patient?ISV — Job 6:11

12 Am I as strong as a rock? Am I some kind of iron man? ^{k6:12 Lit. Is my flesh bronze?}ISV — Job 6:12

13 There is no help within me, is there? My resources have been driven away from me, haven’t they?ISV — Job 6:13

14 The friend shows gracious love for his friend, even if he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.ISV — Job 6:14

15 But my brothers have acted treacherously like a cascading river, like torrential rivers that overflow.ISV — Job 6:15

16 Filled with waters made cold ^{l6:16 Lit. dark} by ice, they are where the snow goes to hide.ISV — Job 6:16

17 But then the snow melts, and they disappear; when warmed, they evaporate from their stream beds. ^{m6:17 Lit. their place}ISV — Job 6:17

18 Travelers divert ^{n6:18 Lit. twist} in their route; they go into a wasteland and die.ISV — Job 6:18

19 Travelers from Tema search intently; caravans from Sheba hope to find them.ISV — Job 6:19

20 For all their expectations, they are doomed to disappointment; even though they have come and searched this far.ISV — Job 6:20

21 “And now you’re all just like them, aren’t you? ^{o6:21 Lit. it} You see my terror and are terrified.ISV — Job 6:21

22 When did I ever ask you for anything, say ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth?’ISV — Job 6:22

23 or say ‘Deliver me from my enemy’s control,’ ^{p6:23 Lit. hand} or ‘Redeem me from the domination ^{q6:23 Lit. hand} of ruthless people’?”ISV — Job 6:23

24 “Instruct me, and I’ll remain silent. Help me understand where I’ve gone astray.ISV — Job 6:24

25 The truth ^{r6:25 Lit. Upright words} can be painful, but what has your argument proven?ISV — Job 6:25

26 Did you intend your words to reprove, even though the speech of a desperate person is just wind?ISV — Job 6:26

27 Indeed, you would gamble to buy an orphan; and barter to buy your friend!ISV — Job 6:27

28 Now be willing to face me, and I won’t lie to your face.ISV — Job 6:28

29 Repent! Let there be no injustice; Change your ways! ^{s6:29 The Heb. lacks your ways} My vindication ^{t6:29 Or righteousness} is at stake.ISV — Job 6:29

30 Have I said anything that’s unjust? I can discern ^{u6:30 Lit. taste} evil, can’t I?”ISV — Job 6:30