Bible Stories: Job (Chapter Vi)

Then Job replied, ‘my anguish and Calamity, if be measured, They would outweigh the ocean’s sands, And hence, I speak without restraint. God’s poisonous arrows pierce me; Arrayed are his terrors on me; Why should ass wild with grass bray loud? Do ox with fodder near-by low? Can you eat insipid, saltless? Does egg-white have any flavor? Those are loathsome foods to me; If only, God, my request grants! Yet, God could crush me with His Hand; Still I could exult from the pain, As I have not transgressed His code; What strength have I to endure then? Aren’t there limits for my patience? Is flesh of bronze and my bone, stones? Have I no one to advise me? Friends must be kind when strikes despair. I can’t depend on my brethren; They run like dried-up waterways; Though heaped with snow, and once they flow, They vanish in the ambient heat! The caravans that go astray Into desert, do thus perish; Though confident, they turn hopeless And finally feel frustrated. You have become like-wise to me; You’re scared to see terrible things; Have I asked you for anything? Did I seek gifts that you possess? Did you deliver me from foes, Or redeem me from oppressors? Teach me and I will be silent; You prove to me wherein I erred. Your honest words though agreeable, Your arguments can’t convince me! Although your words are proof enough, A desperate man’s words aren’t wind! You cast lots on the orphan too: Barter away your friends in deal; Think over well, I’m still correct, My tongue speaks sincerely always! Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-28-2007