1 Then Job answered, 2 "Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me. 5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? 6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me. 8 "Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for, 9 even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! 10 Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient? 12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass? 13 Isn't it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me? 14 "To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away; 16 Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself. 17 In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18 The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them. 20 They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded. 21 For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid. 22 Did I say, 'Give to me?' or, 'Offer a present for me from your substance?' 23 or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?' 24 "Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove? 26 Do you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind? 27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend. 28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face. 29 Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous. 30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can't my taste discern mischievous things?
Job answers, and vindicates himself; and shows that the great affliction which he suffered was the cause of his complaining, by which life was rendered burdensome to him, Job 6:1-13. He complains that, whereas he expected consolation from his friends, he had received nothing but the bitterest reproaches, on the assumed ground that he must be a wicked man, else God would not so grievously afflict him, Job 6:14-20. He shows them that they knew nothing of his case, and that they had no compassion, Job 6:21-23. And then entreats them, if they can, to show him in what he has offended, as he is ready to acknowledge and correct every trespass, Job 6:24-30.
INTRODUCTION TO JOB 6
This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to the speech of Eliphaz in the two foregoing; he first excuses his impatience by the greatness of his afflictions, which, if weighed by good and impartial hands, would be found to be heavier than the sand of the sea, and which words were wanting to express, Job 6:1; and the reason why they were so heavy is given, they being the arrows and terrors of the Almighty, Job 6:4; and by various similes he shows that his moans and complaints under them need not seem strange and unreasonable, Job 6:5; and what had been said not being convincing to him, he continues in the same sentiment and disposition of mind, and wishes to be removed by death out of his miserable condition, and gives his reasons for it, Job 6:8; and though his case was such as required pity from his friends, yet this he had not from them, but represents them as deceitful, and as having sadly disappointed him, and therefore he neither hoped nor asked for anything of them, Job 6:14; and observes that their words and arguments were of no force and weight with him, but harmful and pernicious, Job 6:24; and in his turn gives them some exhortations and instructions, and signifies that he was as capable of discerning between right and wrong as they, with which this chapter is concluded, Job 6:28.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.