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My Brethren Have Betrayed Me[a]

14 “One who despairs should have the support of his friends
    even if he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.
15 But my brethren have proved to be as treacherous as a torrent,
    like watercourses that suddenly run dry;
16 they turn dark with ice
    and swell with the thawing of the snow,
17 but they dry up in the hot season,
    and in the heat vanish from their beds.
18 “Caravans wander off from their course;
    they go into the wilderness and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema search for water;
    the travelers from Sheba[b] move forward in hope.
20 But despite their confidence they are doomed to disappointment;
    they arrive there, only to be frustrated.
21 In much the same way you have dealt with me;
    you are stunned at my plight and are terrified.

Make Me Understand How I Have Been at Fault[c]

22 “Did I ever ask you to give me anything,
    or to use your vast wealth to alleviate my travails,
23 or to rescue me from the hands of an oppressor,
    or to ransom me from the power of ruthless men?
24 “Instruct me, and I will be silent;
    make me understand how I have been at fault.
25 I can readily accept logical explanations,
    but your arguments are without merit.
26 Do you think that your words should be embraced
    whereas mine are so fragile that they can be borne away by a light breeze?
27 You would even cast lots for the fatherless
    and sell your friend at a bargain price.
28 “Therefore, now I beg you to look at me,
    for I will not lie to your face.
29 Consider what I have said,
    and let no further injustice be inflicted upon me.
30 Does evil issue forth from my lips?
    Would I not realize it if I spoke untruthfully?

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Footnotes

  1. Job 6:14 Friendship is a refreshing source, but for the sick it is as rare as a spring for a caravan in the wilderness.
  2. Job 6:19 Tema . . . Sheba: Arabian commercial centers.
  3. Job 6:22 Job has a deep sense of his innocence. Hence, the pious proposals of his friends seem to him to be inconsiderate.