Bible
- 1
- THEN JOB answered,
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- Oh, that my impatience and vexation might be [thoroughly] weighed and all my calamity be laid up over against them in the balances, one against the other [to see if my grief is unmanly]!
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- For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash and wild,
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- [But it is] because the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison which my spirit drinks up; the terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
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- Does the wild ass bray when it has grass? Or does the ox low over its fodder?
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- Can that which has no taste to it be eaten without salt? Or is there any flavor in the white of an egg?
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- [These afflictions] my soul refuses to touch! Such things are like diseased food to me [sickening and repugnant]!
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- Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
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- I even wish that it would please God to crush me, that He would let loose His hand and cut me off!
- 10
- Then would I still have consolation--yes, I would leap [for joy] amid unsparing pain [though I shrink from it]--that I have not concealed or denied the words of the Holy One!
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- What strength have I left, that I should wait and hope? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient?
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- Is my strength and endurance that of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?
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- Is it not that I have no help in myself, and that wisdom is quite driven from me?
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- To him who is about to faint and despair, kindness is due from his friend, lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.
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- [You] my brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away,
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- Which are black and turbid by reason of the ice, and in which the snows hides itself;
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- When they get warm, they shrink and disappear; when it is hot, they vanish out of their place.
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- The caravans which travel by way of them turn aside; they go into the waste places and perish. [Such is my disappointment in you, the friends I fully trusted.]
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- The caravans of Tema looked [for water], the companies of Sheba waited for them [in vain].
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- They were confounded because they had hoped [to find water]; they came there and were bitterly disappointed.
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- Now to me you are [like a dried-up brook]; you see my dismay and terror, and [believing me to be a victim of God's anger] you are afraid [to sympathize with me].
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- Did I ever say, Bring me a gift, or Pay a bribe on my account from your wealth
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- To deliver me from the adversary's hand, or Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?
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- Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
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- How forcible are words of straightforward speech! But what does your arguing argue and prove or your reproof reprove?
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- Do you imagine your words to be an argument, but the speeches of one who is desperate to be as wind?
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- Yes, you would cast lots over the fatherless and bargain away your friend.
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- Now be pleased to look upon me, that it may be evident to you if I lie [for surely I would not lie to your face].
- 29
- Return [from your suspicion], I pray you, let there be no injustice; yes, return again [to confidence in me], my vindication is in it.
- 30
- Is there wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern what is destructive?
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Amplified Bible Copyright (c) 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631 All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org