Job 6
Job 6 is part of “First Cycle of Dialogue” (4–14) in the outline of Job.
Job 6 summary
Eliphaz concluded his discourse with an air of assurance; very confident he was that what he had said was so plain and so pertinent that nothing could be objected in answer to it. But, though he that is first in his own cause seems just, yet his neighbour comes and searches him. Job is not convinced by all he had said, but still justifies himself in his complaints and condemns him for the weakness of his arguing. I.
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Eliphaz concluded his discourse with an air of assurance; very confident he was that what he had said was so plain and so pertinent that nothing could be objected in answer to it. But, though he that is first in his own cause seems just, yet his neighbour comes and searches him. Job is not convinced by all he had said, but still justifies himself in his complaints and condemns him for the weakness of his arguing. I. He shows that he had just cause to complain as he did of his troubles, and so it would appear to any impartial judge (Job 6:2-7). II. He continues his passionate wish that he might speedily be cut off by the stroke of death, and so be eased of all his miseries (Job 6:8-13). III. He reproves his friends for their uncharitable censures of him and their unkind treatment (v. 14-30). It must be owned that Job, in all this, spoke much that was reasonable, but with a mixture of passion and human infirmity. And in this contest, as indeed in most contests, there was fault on both sides.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Job 6 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Job's Reply: My Complaint Is Just
1Then Job answered and said, 2Oh that my vexation were but weighed, And all my calamity laid in the balances! 3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: Therefore have my words been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, The poison whereof my spirit drinketh up: The terrors of God do set themselves in array against me. 5Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? Or loweth the ox over his fodder? 6Can that which hath no savor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7My soul refuseth to touch [them]; They are as loathsome food to me. 8Oh that I might have my request; And that God would grant [me] the thing that I long for! 9Even that it would please God to crush me; That he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! 10And be it still my consolation, Yea, let me exult in pain that spareth not, That I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is mine end, that I should be patient? 12Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass? 13Is it not that I have no help in me, And that wisdom is driven quite from me? 14To him that is ready to faint kindness [should be showed] from his friend; Even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. 15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, As the channel of brooks that pass away; 16Which are black by reason of the ice, [And] wherein the snow hideth itself: 17What time they wax warm, they vanish; When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18The caravans [that travel] by the way of them turn aside; They go up into the waste, and perish. 19The caravans of Tema looked, The companies of Sheba waited for them. 20They were put to shame because they had hoped; They came thither, and were confounded. 21For now ye are nothing; Ye see a terror, and are afraid. 22Did I say, Give unto me? Or, Offer a present for me of your substance? 23Or, Deliver me from the adversary’s hand? Or, Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors? 24Teach me, and I will hold my peace; And cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what doth it reprove? 26Do ye think to reprove words, Seeing that the speeches of one that is desperate are as wind? 27Yea, ye would cast [lots] upon the fatherless, And make merchandise of your friend. 28Now therefore be pleased to look upon me; For surely I shall not lie to your face. 29Return, I pray you, let there be no injustice; Yea, return again, my cause is righteous. 30Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern mischievous things?