Chapter 6

  But Job answered, and said:  

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  O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, and the calamity that I suffer, were weighed in a balance.  

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  As the sand of the sea this would appear heavier: therefore my words are full of sorrow :  

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  For the arrows of the Lord are in me, the rage whereof drinketh up my spirit, and the terrors of the Lord war against me.  

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  Will the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or will the ox low when he standeth before a full manger?  

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  Or can an unsavoury thing be eaten, that is not seasoned with salt? or can a man taste that which when tasted bringeth death?  

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  The things which before my soul would not touch, now, through anguish are my meats.  

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  Who will grant that my request may come: and that God may give me what I look for?  

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  And that he that hath begun may destroy me, that he may let loose his hand, and cut me off?  

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  And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I contradict the words of the Holy One.  

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  For what is my strength, that I can hold out? or what is my end that I should keep patience?  

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  My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.  

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  Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.  

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  He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.  

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  My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.  

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  They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.  

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  At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot they shall be melted out of their place.  

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  The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.  

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  Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.  

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  They are confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.  

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  Now you are come: and now seeing my affliction you are afraid.  

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  Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?  

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  Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?  

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  Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant in any thing, instruct me.  

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  Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?  

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  You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.  

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  You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.  

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  However finish what you have begun, give ear, and see whether I lie.  

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  Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.  

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  And you shall not And iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.  

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