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Then Job replied: |
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“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. |
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3
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For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash. |
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4
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For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
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Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder? |
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Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg? |
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My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. |
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8
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If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: |
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9
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that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! |
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10
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It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. |
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What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? |
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12
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Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? |
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13
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Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? |
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14
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A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. |
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15
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But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, |
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darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, |
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but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. |
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Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. |
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19
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The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. |
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20
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They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. |
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21
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For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. |
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Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; |
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deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? |
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24
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Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. |
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25
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How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? |
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26
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Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? |
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27
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You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. |
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28
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But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? |
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29
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Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. |
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30
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Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice? |
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