Job Reproaches His Friends

61 Then Job answered: 2 "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does the wild ass bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder? 6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane? 7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.

8 "O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire; 9 that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! 10 This would be my consolation; I would even exult in pain unsparing; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? 12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? 13 In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.

14 "He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as freshets that pass away, 16 which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. 17 In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place. 18 The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste, and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope. 20 They are disappointed because they were confident; they come thither and are confounded. 21 Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.

22 Have I said, 'Make me a gift'? Or, 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me'? 23 Or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'? 24 "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have erred. 25 How forceful are honest words! But what does reproof from you reprove? 26 Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? 27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. 28 "But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face. 29 Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake. 30 Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?