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Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.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