My relatives stay far away,And my friends have turned against me.My family is gone, and my close friends have forgotten me.My servants and maids consider me a stranger.I am like a foreigner to them.When I call my servant, he doesn't come;I have to plead with him!My breath is repulsive to my wife.I am rejected by my own family. . . My close friends detest me.Those I loved have turned against me. . ...  Read More

Even now my witness is in heaven.My advocate is there on high.My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God.I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. . . .My spirit is crushed, and my life is nearly snuffed out.The grave is ready to receive me.I am surrounded by mockers.I watch how bitterly they taunt me.You must defend my innocence, O God, since no ...  Read More

Then Job spoke again:"I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are!Won't you ever stop blowing hot air?What makes you keep on talking?I could say the same things if you were in my place.I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.But if it were me, I would encourage you.I would try to take away your grief.Instead, I suffer if I defend myself.And I suffer no less if I re...  Read More

The wicked writhe in pain throughout their lives.Years of trouble are stored up for the ruthless.The sound of terror rings in their ears, and even on good days they fear the attack of the destroyer. . . They know their day of destruction is near.That dark day terrifies them.They live in distress and anguish. . . For they shake their fists at God, defying the Almighty. . . These wicked people are h...  Read More

Is God's comfort too little for you?Is His gentle word not enough?What has taken away your reason?What has weakened your vision, that you turn against God and say all these evil things?Can any mortal be pure?Can anyone born of a woman be just?Look, God does not even trust the angels.Even the heavens are not absolutely pure in His sight.How much less pure is a corrupt and sinful person with a thirs...  Read More

Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:A wise man wouldn't answer with such empty talk!You are nothing but a windbag.The wise don't engage in empty chatter.What good are such words?Have you no fear of God, no reverence for Him?Your sins are telling your mouth what to say.Your words are based on clever deception.Your own mouth condemns you, not I.Your own lips testify against you.Were you the first pers...  Read More