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"O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
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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 in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
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Does the wild ass bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder?
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Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the slime of the purslane?
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My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.
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"O that I might have my request, and that God would grant my desire;
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that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
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This would be my consolation; I would even exult in pain unsparing; for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
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What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
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Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
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In truth I have no help in me, and any resource is driven from me.
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"He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
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My brethren are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as freshets that pass away,
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which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself.
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In time of heat they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
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The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste, and perish.
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The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope.
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They are disappointed because they were confident; they come thither and are confounded.
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Such you have now become to me; you see my calamity, and are afraid.
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Have I said, 'Make me a gift'? Or, 'From your wealth offer a bribe for me'?
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Or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand'? Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of oppressors'?
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"Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have erred.
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How forceful are honest words! But what does reproof from you reprove?
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Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind?
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You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend.
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"But now, be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face.
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Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake.
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Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?