² “O that my vexation were weighed
    and all my calamity laid in the balances!^(A)
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
    therefore my words have been rash.^(B)
4 For the arrows of the Almighty^[a] are in me;
    my spirit drinks their poison;
    the terrors of God are arrayed against me.^(C)

⁸ “O that I might have my request
    and that God would grant my desire,^(A)
9 that it would please God to crush me,
    that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!^(B)
10 This would be my consolation;
    I would even exult^[a] in unrelenting pain,
    for I have not denied the words of the Holy One.^(C)
11 What is my strength, that I should wait?
    And what is my end, that I should be patient?^(D)
12 Is my strength the strength of stones,
    or is my flesh bronze?
¹³ In truth I have no help in me,
    and any resource is driven from me.^(E)

¹⁴ “Those who withhold^[b] kindness from a friend
    forsake the fear of the Almighty.^[c]
15 My companions are treacherous like a torrent bed,
    like swollen streams that pass away,^(F)