The Holy See
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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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Chapter 6

1

Then Job answered and said:

2

Ah, could my anguish but be measured and my calamity laid with it in the scales,

3

They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint.

4

For the arrows of the Almighty pierce me, and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.

5

1 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass? Does the ox low over his fodder?

6

Can a thing insipid be eaten without salt? Is there flavor in the white of an egg?

7

I refuse to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.

8

Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant what I long for:

9

Even that God would decide to crush me, that he would put forth his hand and cut me off!

10

Then I should still have consolation and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One.

11

What strength have I that I should endure, and what is my limit that I should be patient?

12

Have I the strength of stones, or is my flesh of bronze?

13

Have I no helper, and has advice deserted me?

14

A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he have forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

15

My brethren are undependable as a brook, as watercourses that run dry in the wadies;

16

Though they may be black with ice, and with snow heaped upon them,

17

Yet once they flow, they cease to be; in the heat, they disappear from their place.

18

Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the desert and perish.

19

2 The caravans of Tema search, the companies of Sheba have hopes;

20

They are disappointed, though they were confident; they come there and are frustrated.

21

It is thus that you have now become for me; you see a terrifying thing and are afraid.

22

Have I asked you to give me anything, to offer a gift for me from your possessions,

23

Or to deliver me from the enemy, or to redeem me from oppressors?

24

Teach me, and I will be silent; prove to me wherein I have erred.

25

How agreeable are honest words; yet how unconvincing is your argument!

26

Do you consider your words as proof, but the sayings of a desperate man as wind?

27

You would even cast lots for the orphan, and would barter away your friend!

28

Come, now, give me your attention; surely I will not lie to your face.

29

Think it over; let there be no injustice. Think it over; I still am right.

30

Is there insincerity on my tongue, or cannot my taste discern falsehood?

 

 




1 [5-6] Job would not complain if his life were as pleasant to him as fodder to a hungry animal; but his life is as disagreeable as insipid food. White of an egg: thus the obscure Hebrew has been understood in Jewish tradition; some render it "mallow juice."



2 [19] Tema: in northwest Arabia. Sheba: see note on Job 1:15.






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