Chapter 16
1 Then Job answered ,
2 " I have heard many such things . You are all miserable comforters !
3 Shall vain words have an end ? Or what provokes you that you answer ?
4 I also could speak as you do . If your soul were in my soul ’s place , I could join words together against you , and shake my head at you ,
5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth . The solace of my lips would relieve you .
6 "Though I speak , my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear , what am I eased ?
7 But now , God, you have surely worn me out . You have made all my company desolate .
8 You have shriveled me up . This is a witness against me . My leanness rises up against me . It testifies to my face .
9 He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me . He has gnashed on me with his teeth . My adversary sharpens his eyes on me .
10 They have gaped on me with their mouth . They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully . They gather themselves together against me .
11 God delivers me to the ungodly , and casts me into the hands of the wicked .
12 I was at ease , and he broke me apart. Yes, he has taken me by the neck , and dashed me to pieces . He has also set me up for his target .
13 His archers surround me . He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare . He pours out my bile on the ground.
14 He breaks me with breach on breach . He runs at me like a giant .
15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin , and have thrust my horn in the dust .
16 My face is red with weeping . Deep darkness is on my eyelids ,
17 although there is no violence in my hands , and my prayer is pure .
18 "Earth, don’t cover my blood . Let my cry have no place to rest .
19 Even now , behold , my witness is in heaven . He who vouches for me is on high .
20 My friends scoff at me . My eyes pour out tears to God,
21 that he would maintain the right of a man with God, of a son of man with his neighbor !
22 For when a few years have come , I will go the way of no return .