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"Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales!
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For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea-- Therefore my words have been rash.
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For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; My spirit drinks in their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me.
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Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, Or does the ox low over its fodder?
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Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
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My soul refuses to touch them; They are as loathsome food to me.
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"Oh, that I might have my request, That God would grant me the thing that I long for!
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That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off!
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Then I would still have comfort; Though in anguish, I would exult, He will not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
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"What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
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Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze?
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Is my help not within me? And is success driven from me?
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"To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
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My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, Like the streams of the brooks that pass away,
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Which are dark because of the ice, And into which the snow vanishes.
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When it is warm, they cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place.
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The paths of their way turn aside, They go nowhere and perish.
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The caravans of Tema look, The travelers of Sheba hope for them.
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They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused.
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For now you are nothing, You see terror and are afraid.
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Did I ever say, 'Bring something to me'? Or, 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'?
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Or, 'Deliver me from the enemy's hand'? Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of oppressors'?
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"Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
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How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?
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Do you intend to rebuke my words, And the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind?
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Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, And you undermine your friend.
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Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face.
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Yield now, let there be no injustice! Yes, concede, my righteousness still stands!
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Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory?