Jb 6:1-13

Job’s First Reply. 1Then Job answered and said:

2Ah, could my anguish but be measured

and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

3They would now outweigh the sands of the sea!

Because of this I speak without restraint.

4For the arrows of the Almighty are in me,^a

and my spirit drinks in their poison;

the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass?^*

Does the ox low over its fodder?

6Can anything insipid be eaten without salt?

Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

7I refuse to touch them;

they are like loathsome food to me.

8Oh, that I might have my request,

and that God would grant what I long for:

9Even that God would decide to crush me,

that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

10Then I should still have consolation

and could exult through unremitting pain,

because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.

11What strength have I that I should endure,

and what is my limit that I should be patient?

12Have I the strength of stones,

or is my flesh of bronze?

13Have I no helper,^b

and has my good sense deserted me?