Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible RHE
New Living Translation NLT
1 But Job answered, and said:
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Then Job spoke again:
2 O that my sins, whereby I have deserved wrath, and the calamity that I suffer, were weighed in a balance.
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“If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales,
3 As the sand of the sea, this would appear heavier: therefore, my words are full of sorrow:
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they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.
4 For the arrows of the Lord are in me, the rage whereof drinketh up my spirit, and the terrors of the Lord war against me.
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For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. Their poison infects my spirit. God’s terrors are lined up against me.
5 Will the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or will the ox low when he standeth before a full manger?
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Don’t I have a right to complain? Don’t wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food?
6 Or can an unsavoury thing be eaten, that is not seasoned with salt? or can a man taste that which, when tasted, bringeth death?
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Don’t people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg?
7 The things which before my soul would not touch, now, through anguish, are my meats.
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My appetite disappears when I look at it; I gag at the thought of eating it!
8 Who will grant that my request may come: and that God may give me what I look for?
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“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.
9 And that he that hath begun may destroy me, that he may let loose his hand, and cut me off?
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I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me.
10 And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I contradict the words of the Holy one.
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At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 For what is my strength, that I can hold out? or what is my end, that I should keep patience?
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But I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.
12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.
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Do I have the strength of a stone? Is my body made of bronze?
13 Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.
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No, I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success.
14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
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“One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
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My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring
16 They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.
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when it is swollen with ice and melting snow.
17 At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot, they shall be melted out of their place.
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But when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. The brook vanishes in the heat.
18 The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.
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The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die.
19 Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
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The caravans from Tema search for this water; the travelers from Sheba hope to find it.
20 They arc confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.
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They count on it but are disappointed. When they arrive, their hopes are dashed.
21 Now you are come: and now, seeing my affliction, you are afraid.
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You, too, have given no help. You have seen my calamity, and you are afraid.
22 Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?
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But why? Have I ever asked you for a gift? Have I begged for anything of yours for myself?
23 Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?
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Have I asked you to rescue me from my enemies, or to save me from ruthless people?
24 Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant of any thing, instruct me.
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Teach me, and I will keep quiet. Show me what I have done wrong.
25 Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?
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Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
26 You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.
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Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?
27 You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.
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You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.
28 However, finish what you have begun: give ear and see whether I lie.
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Look at me! Would I lie to your face?
29 Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.
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Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong.
30 And you shall not find iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.
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Do you think I am lying? Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong?