Study Desk

Then Job responded,

Then Job answered and said,

"I have heard many things like these; Miserable comforters are you all!

I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.

"Is there no end to windy words? Or what provokes you that you answer?

Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?

"I too could speak like you, If only I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you.

I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

"Or I could strengthen you with my mouth, And the condolence of my lips could lessen your pain.

But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.

"If I speak, my pain is not lessened, And if I refrain, what pain leaves me?

Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?