1 But Job answered and said,
2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
5 Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?
6 Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10 Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.
19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
21 For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.
30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
The sixth chapter of the Book of Job in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a continuation of the dialogue between Job and his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. In this chapter, Job responds to Eliphaz's accusations and complaints about his suffering. He expresses his despair and longing for death, yet also maintains his innocence and faith in God. The main themes of this chapter include the nature of suffering, the importance of empathy and compassion, and the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
At the beginning of the chapter, Job responds to Eliphaz's words of comfort and encouragement with a lamentation of his own suffering. He compares his pain to the weight of sand and the arrows of the Almighty, emphasizing its unbearable and overwhelming nature. He also expresses his longing for death, describing it as a release from his suffering and a rest from his turmoil.
"Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me." (Job 6:2-4)
Job's words reveal the depth of his despair and the extent of his suffering. He feels overwhelmed by the weight of his pain and sees death as the only escape. This reflects the human experience of suffering and the natural desire to be free from it. Job's honesty and vulnerability in expressing his emotions also highlight the importance of acknowledging and processing one's feelings in times of hardship.
Despite his despair, Job maintains his innocence and righteousness in the face of his friends' accusations. He challenges them to show him where he has sinned or wronged God, and if they can, he will accept their rebuke. He also reminds them of their duty as friends to show compassion and understanding, rather than judgment and condemnation.
"Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg? The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat. Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!" (Job 6:5-9)
Job's words highlight the injustice of his suffering and the lack of understanding from his friends. He compares his situation to that of a wild ass or an ox, who do not complain about their food, yet he is suffering despite his righteousness. This challenges the common belief at the time that suffering is a punishment from God for one's sins. Job's defense also emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in relationships, especially in times of hardship.
Despite his despair and longing for death, Job's faith and trust in God remain unshaken. He acknowledges that his words may seem rash and desperate, but he affirms his belief that God knows his heart and his innocence. He also expresses his hope that God will hear his plea and bring justice to his situation.
"My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. Is it not my helplessness, even though I have no help in me? He that would not let me go, but would make me to be the very thing that I am, is my help. I will not be ashamed, for I have not offended him that hath made me." (Job 6:9-10)
Job's words showcase his unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of his suffering. He acknowledges his weakness and helplessness, but also recognizes that God is his ultimate source of strength and hope. This reflects the Christian belief in the importance of trusting in God's plan and remaining faithful in times of trial.
The sixth chapter of the Book of Job serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of suffering and the importance of empathy, compassion, and faith in times of hardship. Job's words express the depth of his despair and longing for death, yet also reveal his unwavering trust in God and his belief in his own righteousness. This chapter challenges the common belief that suffering is always a punishment for one's sins, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in relationships. It also serves as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, and the ultimate hope and justice that God brings to those who trust in Him.
In conclusion, the sixth chapter of the Book of Job is a powerful and emotional continuation of the dialogue between Job and his friends. It highlights the nature of suffering, the importance of empathy and compassion, and the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. Job's words serve as a reminder of the human experience of suffering and the need for understanding and support in times of hardship. They also showcase the unwavering faith and trust in God that brings hope and justice to those who endure suffering with faith and perseverance.
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