Job 16

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 youISV — 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