16:1
Job spoke next. He said:
16:2
How often have I heard all this before! What sorry comforters you are!
16:3
'When will these windy arguments be over?' or again, 'What sickness drives you to defend yourself?'
16:4
Oh yes! I too could talk as you do, if you were in my place; I could overwhelm you with speeches, shaking my head over you,
16:5
and speak words of encouragement, and then have no more to say.
16:6
When I speak, my suffering does not stop; if I say nothing, is it in any way reduced?
16:7
And now it is driving me to distraction; you have struck my whole acquaintanceship with horror,
16:8
now it rounds on me, my slanderer has now turned witness, he appears against me, accusing me face to face;
16:9
his anger tears and hounds me with gnashing teeth. My enemies look daggers at me,
16:10
and open gaping jaws. Their sneers strike like slaps in the face; and they all set on me at once.
16:11
Yes, God has handed me over to the godless, and cast me into the hands of the wicked.
16:12
I was living at peace, until he made me totter, taking me by the neck to shatter me. He has set me up as his target:
16:13
he shoots his arrows at me from all sides, pitilessly pierces my loins, and pours my gall out on the ground.
16:14
Breach after breach he drives through me, charging on me like a warrior.
16:15
I have sewn sackcloth over my skin, thrown my forehead in the dust.
16:16
My face is red with tears, and shadow dark as death covers my eyelids.
16:17
Nonetheless, my hands are free of violence, and my prayer is pure.
16:18
Cover not my blood, O earth, and let my cry mount without cease!
16:19
Henceforth I have a witness in heaven, my defender is there on high.
16:20
Interpreter of my thoughts there with God, before whom flow my tears,
16:21
let my anguish plead the cause of a man at grips with God, just as a man might defend his fellow.
16:22
For the years of my life are numbered, and I am leaving by the road of no return.
Previous
Next