1 Then Job answered:10 They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me.11 God has delivered me to unjust men; He has thrown me to the clutches of the wicked.12 I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has set me up as His target;13 His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground.14 He breaks me with wound upon wound; He rushes me like a mighty warrior.15 I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my horn in the dust.16 My face is red with weeping, and deep shadows ring my eyes;17 yet my hands are free of violence and my prayer is pure.18 O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest.19 Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.2 “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.20 My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.21 Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!22 For when only a few years are past I will go the way of no return.3 Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?4 I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.5 But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.6 Even if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I hold back, how will it go away?7 Surely He has now exhausted me; You have devastated all my family.8 You have bound me, and it has become a witness; my frailty rises up and testifies against me.9 His anger has torn me and opposed me; He gnashes His teeth at me. My adversary pierces me with His eyes.