¶ Iob answered, and said: Oh that my misery were weighed, and my punishment laid in the balances:
For then should it be heavier, than the sand of the sea.
This is the cause, that my words are so sorrowful.
For the arrows of the allmighty are in me, whose indignation hath drunk up my spirit, and the terrible fears of God fight against me.
Doth the wild ass roar when he hath grass? Or crieth the ox, when he hath fodder enough?
That which is unsavory, shalt it be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
The things that some time I might not away withal, are now my meat for very sorrow.
¶ O that I might have my desire: O that God would grant me the thing, that I long for:
That he would begin and smite me: that he would let his hand go, and hew me down.
Then should I have some comfort: yea, I would desire him in my pain, that he should not spare, for I will not be against the words of the holy one.
What power have I to endure? Or, what is mine end, that my soul might be patient?
Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh made of brass?
Is it not so that there is in me no help: and that my substance is taken from me.
¶ He that is in tribulation ought to be comforted of his neighbour: but the fear of the Lord is clean away:
Mine own brethren pass over by me as the water brook, that hastily runneth thorow the valleys.
But they that fear the hoarfrost, the snow shall fall upon them.
When their time cometh, they shall be destroyed and perish: and when they be set on fire, they shall be removed out of their place,
for the paths that they go in, are crooked: they haste after vain things, and shall perish.
Consider the paths of Theman, and the ways of Saba, wherein they have put their trust.
Confounded are they, that put any confidence in them: For when they came to obtain the things that they looked for, they were brought to confusion.
Even so are ye also come unto me: but now that ye see my misery, ye are afraid.
¶ Did I desire you, to come hither? Or, to give me any of your substance?
To deliver me from the enemy's hand, or to save me from the power of the mighty?
Teach me and I will hold my tongue: and if I do err, shew me wherein.
Wherefore blame ye then the words, that are well and truly spoken?
which of you can reprove them? Saving only that ye are subtle to check men's sayings, and can speak many words in the wind.
Ye fall upon the fatherless, and go about to overthrow your own friend.
Wherefore look not only upon me, but upon yourselves: whether I lie, or no.
Turn into your own selves (I pray you) be indifferent judges, and consider mine unguiltiness: whether there be any unrighteousness in my tongue, or vain words in my mouth.
Praise the Everlasting Lord for His Faithful Word.