Dual PanelJob Answers Eliphaz
1Then Job answered:
2“I have heard all these things before. You men give me trouble, not comfort.
3Your long speeches never end! Why do you continue arguing?
4I also could say the same things you say, if you had my troubles. I could say wise things against you and shake my head at you.
5But I would say things to encourage you and give you hope.
6“Nothing I say makes my pain go away. But keeping quiet does not help either.
7God, you surely took away my strength. You destroyed my whole family.
8You have made me thin and weak, and people think that means I am guilty.
9“God attacks me; he is angry with me and tears my body apart. He grinds his teeth against me. My enemy looks at me with hate.
10People have crowded around me. They make fun of me and slap my face.
11God has given me to evil people. He let the wicked hurt me.
12I was enjoying a quiet, peaceful life, but then God crushed me. Yes, he took me by the neck and broke me into pieces. He has made me his target.
13With his archers all around me, he shoots arrows into my kidneys. He shows no mercy and spills my gall on the ground.
14Again and again he attacks me. He runs at me like a soldier in battle.
15“I am very sad, so I wear this sackcloth. I sit here in dust and ashes, feeling defeated.
16My face is red from crying. There are dark rings around my eyes.
17I was never cruel to anyone, and my prayers are pure.
18“Earth, don’t hide the wrong things that were done to me. Don’t let my begging for fairness be stopped.
19Even now there is someone in heaven who will speak for me. There is someone above who will testify for me.
20My friend speaks for me, while my eyes pour out tears to God.
21He speaks to God for me, like someone presenting an argument for a friend.
22“In only a few years I will go to that place of no return.