Job 16

1verseThen Job answered,

2verse“I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

3verseShall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

4verseI 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,

5versebut I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

6verse“Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

7verseBut now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made all my company desolate.

8verseYou have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

9verseHe has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.

10verseThey have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

11verseGod delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

12verseI 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.

13verseHis archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. He pours out my bile on the ground.

14verseHe breaks me with breach on breach. He runs at me like a giant.

15verseI have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

16verseMy face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids,

17versealthough there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

18verse“Earth, don’t cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

19verseEven now, behold, my witness is in heaven. He who vouches for me is on high.

20verseMy friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

21versethat he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor!

22verseFor when a few years have come, I will go the way of no return.