Job 16
Job Reproves His Friends for Their Unmerciful Outlook; Maintains His Innocence
Job's Discussions With His Three Friends1
Then Job answered,
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"I have heard many such things.You are all miserable comforters!
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Shall vain words have an end?Or what provokes you that you answer?
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I also could speak as you do.If your soul were in my soul's place,I could join words together against you,and shake my head at you,
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but I would strengthen you with my mouth.The solace of my lips would relieve you.
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"Though I speak, my grief is not subsided.Though I forbear, what am I eased?
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But now, God, you have surely worn me out.You have made desolate all my company.
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You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me.My leanness rises up against me.It testifies to my face.
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He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me.He has gnashed on me with his teeth.My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
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They have gaped on me with their mouth.They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully.They gather themselves together against me.
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God delivers me to the ungodly,and casts me into the hands of the wicked.
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I was at ease, and he broke me apart.Yes, he has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces.He has also set me up for his target.
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His archers surround me.He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare.He pours out my gall on the ground.
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He breaks me with breach on breach.He runs on me like a giant.
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I have sewed sackcloth on my skin,and have thrust my horn in the dust.
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My face is red with weeping.Deep darkness is on my eyelids.
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Although there is no violence in my hands,and my prayer is pure.
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"Earth, don't cover my blood.Let my cry have no place to rest.
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Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven.He who vouches for me is on high.
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My friends scoff at me.My eyes pour out tears to God,
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that he would maintain the right of a man with God,of a son of man with his neighbor!
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For when a few years have come,I shall go the way of no return.
SECOND SERIES.
Job 16:1-22. JOB'S REPLY.