The Word Am I

The Book of Job

Catholic Public Domain Version 2009

- Chapter 17 -

Job asks for relief

1
My spirit will be wasted, my days will be shortened, and only the grave will be left for me.
2
I have not sinned, yet my eye remains in bitterness.(a)
3
Free me, O Lord, and set me beside you, and let the hand of anyone you wish fight against me.
4
You have set their heart far from discipline; therefore, they will not be praised.
5
He promises prey to his companions, but the eyes of his sons will grow faint.
6
He has posted me like a proverb to the people, and I am an example in their presence.
7
My eyesight has been clouded by indignation, and my limbs have been reduced, as if to nothing.
8
The just will be astounded over this, and the innocent will be stirred up against the hypocrite.
9
And the just will cling to his way, and clean hands will increase strength.
10
Therefore, be converted, all of you, and approach, for I do not find in you any wisdom.
11
My days have passed away; my thoughts have been scattered, tormenting my heart.
12
They have turned night into day, and I hope for light again after the darkness.
13
If I should wait, the underworld is my house, and in darkness I have spread out my bed.(b)
14
I have said to decay and to worms: “You are my father, my mother, and my sister.”
15
Therefore, where is my expectation now, and who is it that considers my patience?
16
Everything of mine will descend into the deepest underworld; do you think that, in that place at least, there will be rest for me?(c)

Footnotes

(a)17:2 Not sinned:That is, I am not guilty of such sins as they charge me with.(Challoner)
(b)17:13 Hell:Sheol. The region of the dead.(Challoner)
(c)17:16 Deepest pit:Literally, hell.(Challoner)