> [[job-05|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-07|Next →]] --- # Job, Chapter 6 ## Chapter 6 **Job’s First Reply.** 1 Then Job answered and said: ^job-06-1 2 Ah, could my anguish but be measured ^job-06-2 and my calamity laid with it in the scales, 3 They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! ^job-06-3 Because of this I speak without restraint. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me, ^job-06-4 and my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass? ^job-06-5 Does the ox low over its fodder? 6 Can anything insipid be eaten without salt? ^job-06-6 Is there flavor in the white of an egg? 7 I refuse to touch them; ^job-06-7 they are like loathsome food to me. 8 Oh, that I might have my request, ^job-06-8 and that God would grant what I long for: 9 Even that God would decide to crush me, ^job-06-9 that he would put forth his hand and cut me off! 10 Then I should still have consolation ^job-06-10 and could exult through unremitting pain, because I have not transgressed the commands of the Holy One. 11 What strength have I that I should endure, ^job-06-11 and what is my limit that I should be patient? 12 Have I the strength of stones, ^job-06-12 or is my flesh of bronze? 13 Have I no helper, ^job-06-13 and has my good sense deserted me? 14 A friend owes kindness to one in despair, ^job-06-14 though he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty. 15 My companions are undependable as a wadi, ^job-06-15 as watercourses that run dry in the wadies; 16 Though they may be black with ice, ^job-06-16 and with snow heaped upon them, 17 Yet once they flow, they cease to be; ^job-06-17 in the heat, they disappear from their place. 18 Caravans wander from their routes; ^job-06-18 they go into the wasteland and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema search, ^job-06-19 the companies of Sheba have hopes; 20 They are disappointed, though they were confident; ^job-06-20 they come there and are frustrated. 21 It is thus that you have now become for me; ^job-06-21 you see a terrifying thing and are afraid. 22 Have I said, “Give me something, ^job-06-22 make a bribe on my behalf from your possessions”? 23 Or “Deliver me from the hand of the enemy, ^job-06-23 redeem me from oppressors”? 24 Teach me, and I will be silent; ^job-06-24 make me understand how I have erred. 25 How painful honest words can be; ^job-06-25 yet how unconvincing is your argument! 26 Do you consider your words as proof, ^job-06-26 but the sayings of a desperate man as wind? 27 You would even cast lots for the orphan, ^job-06-27 and would barter over your friend! 28 Come, now, give me your attention; ^job-06-28 surely I will not lie to your face. 29 Think it over; let there be no injustice. ^job-06-29 Think it over; I still am right. 30 Is there insincerity on my tongue, ^job-06-30 or cannot my taste discern falsehood? --- \* (6:5] – [6) Job would not complain if his life were as pleasant to him as fodder to a hungry animal; but his life is as disagreeable as insipid food. White of an egg: thus the obscure Hebrew has been understood in Jewish tradition; some render it “mallow juice.” \* (6:19) Tema: in northwest Arabia. Sheba: home of the Sabeans; see note on [1:15]. \* (6:21) It is only at this point that the previous lines (vv. [1] – [20]) are clearly directed to the three friends. The style of replying in these chapters ([3] – [31]) is often indirect. Job and the friends become mouthpieces through which the author presents current views on divine retribution in dramatic fashion. In chap. [7], Job will not even speak directly to the friends. --- a. (6:4) [Ps 88:17]. b. (6:13) [Jb 19:14] – [15]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[job-05|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-07|Next →]]