1 Then Job replied ⌞to his friends⌟,
2 “I have heard many things like this before.
3 Will ⌞your⌟ long-winded speeches never end?
4 I, too, could speak like you
5 I could encourage you with my mouth,
6 If I speak, my pain is not eased.
7 “But now, God has worn me out.
8 You have shriveled me up, which itself is a witness ⌞against me⌟.
9 “God’s anger tore me ⌞apart⌟ and attacked me.
10 People ridiculed me with their mouths.
11 God handed me over to unjust people
12 I was at ease, and he shattered me.
13 and his archers surrounded me.
14 He inflicts wound after wound on me.
15 “I have sewn sackcloth over my skin,
16 My face is red from crying,
17 although my hands have done nothing violent,
18 “Earth, don’t cover my blood.
19 Even now, look! My witness is in heaven,
20 the spokesman for my thoughts.
22 because in a few short years I will take the path of no return.
21 But my witness will plead for a human in front of God.