Job 6:14-30

14A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

15My brothers are as treacherous as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow

16and become darkened because of ice, and the snow melts into them.

17The wadis evaporate in warm weather; they disappear from their channels in hot weather.

18Caravans turn away from their routes, go up into the desert, and perish.

19The caravans of Tema look for these streams. The traveling merchants of Sheba hope for them.

20They are ashamed because they had been confident of finding water. When they arrive there, they are disappointed.

21So this is what you have now become to me. When you see something dreadful, you are afraid.

22Have I ever said, “Give me something” or “Pay a bribe for me from your wealth”

23or “Deliver me from the enemy’s hand” or “Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless”?

24Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand what I did wrong.

25How painful honest words can be! But what does your rebuke prove?

26Do you think that you can disprove my words or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?

27No doubt you would cast lots for a fatherless child and negotiate a price to sell your friend.

28But now, please look at me; I will not lie to your face.

29Reconsider; don’t be unjust. Reconsider; my righteousness is still the issue.

30Is there injustice on my tongue or can my palate not taste disaster?