Study Desk

I chose the way for them and sat as their chief; I lived like a king among his troops; I was like one who comforts mourners.

I know that you are bringing me to death, to the meeting place for all the living.

"Surely one does not stretch out his hand against a broken man when he cries for help in his distress.

Have I not wept for the unfortunate? Was not my soul grieved for the poor?

But when I hoped for good, trouble came; when I expected light, then darkness came.

I go about blackened, but not by the sun; in the assembly I stand up and cry for help.

My harp is used for mourning and my flute for the sound of weeping.

Is it not misfortune for the unjust, and disaster for those who work iniquity?

then let my wife turn the millstone for another man, and may other men have sexual relations with her.

For I would have committed a shameful act, an iniquity to be judged.

For it is a fire that devours even to Destruction, and it would uproot all my harvest.

If I have seen anyone about to perish for lack of clothing, or a poor man without a coat,

For the calamity from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his majesty I was powerless.

then this also would be iniquity to be judged, for I would have been false to God above.

I have not even permitted my mouth to sin by asking for his life through a curse—

But no stranger had to spend the night outside, for I opened my doors to the traveler—

Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words.

For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me.

for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.