1<\/sup>But Job, responding, said:<\/span> <\/p>\n 2<\/sup>I wish that my sins, for which I deserve wrath, and the calamity that I endure, were weighed out on a balance.<\/span> <\/p>\n 3<\/sup>Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow.<\/span> <\/p>\n 4<\/sup>For the arrows of the Lord are in me, my spirit drinks of their indignation, and the terrors of the Lord are soldiers against me.<\/span> <\/p>\n 5<\/sup>Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?<\/span> <\/p>\n 6<\/sup>Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?<\/span> <\/p>\n 7<\/sup>The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.<\/span> <\/p>\n 8<\/sup>Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,<\/span> <\/p>\n 9<\/sup>and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?<\/span> <\/p>\n 10<\/sup>And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not contradict the words of the Holy One.<\/span> <\/p>\n 11<\/sup>For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?<\/span> <\/p>\n 12<\/sup>My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.<\/span> <\/p>\n 13<\/sup>Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.<\/span> <\/p>\n 14<\/sup>He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.<\/span> <\/p>\n 15<\/sup>My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.<\/span> <\/p>\n 16<\/sup>Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.<\/span> <\/p>\n 17<\/sup>At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.<\/span> <\/p>\n 18<\/sup>The paths of their steps are entangled; they will walk in vain and will perish.<\/span> <\/p>\n 19<\/sup>Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.<\/span> <\/p>\n 20<\/sup>They have been thrown into confusion, just as I had hoped; they have even come to me and are overwhelmed with shame.<\/span> <\/p>\n 21<\/sup>Now you have arrived, and merely by seeing my affliction, you are afraid.<\/span> <\/p>\n 22<\/sup>Did I say: “Bring to me and give to me from your necessities?”<\/span> <\/p>\n 23<\/sup>or, “Free me from the hand of the enemy and rescue me from the hand of the strong?”<\/span> <\/p>\n 24<\/sup>Teach me, and I will be silent, and if by chance I have been ignorant of anything, instruct me.<\/span> <\/p>\n 25<\/sup>Why have you diminished the words of truth, when there is none of you who is able to offer proof against me?<\/span> <\/p>\n 26<\/sup>You prepare speeches as so much noise, and you offer words into the wind.<\/span> <\/p>\n 27<\/sup>You encroach upon the orphan, and you strive to undermine your friend.<\/span> <\/p>\n 28<\/sup>Such is true, so finish what you have begun. Listen closely, and see if I lie.<\/span> <\/p>\n 29<\/sup>Respond, I beg you, without contention, and, speaking what is just, pass judgment.<\/span> <\/p>\n 30<\/sup>And you will not find iniquity on my tongue, nor will foolishness resound in my throat.<\/span> <\/p>\n