Job 6:22-30

He appeals to his friends

22 Have I said, "Give me something? Offer a bribe from your wealth for me?
23 Rescue me from the hand of my enemy? Ransom me from the grip of the ruthless?"
24 Instruct me and I'll be quiet; inform me how I've erred.
25 How painful are truthful words, but what do your condemnations accomplish?
26 Do you intend to correct my words, to treat the words of a hopeless man as wind?
27 Would you even gamble over an orphan, barter away your friend?
28 Now look at me— would I lie to your face?
29 Turn! Don't be faithless. Turn now! I am righteous.
30 Is there wrong on my tongue, or can my mouth not recognize disaster?

Job 6:22-30 Meaning and Commentary

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 6:1-3; 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 6:5-7; 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 6:8-13; 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 6:14-23; and observes that their words and arguments were of no force and weight with him, but harmful and pernicious, Job 6:24-27; 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 6:28-30.

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