16:2 “I have heard many things like these; all of you are miserable comforters.
16:3 Is there a limit to windy words? What provokes you that you answer?
16:4 I myself also could talk as you, if you were in my place; I could join against you with words, and I could shake at you with my head.
16:5 I could encourage you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would ease the pain.
16:6 If I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I cease, how much will leave me?
16:7 “Surely now he has worn me out; you have devastated all my company.
16:8 Thus you shriveled me up; it became a witness. And my leanness has risen up against me; it testifies to my face.
16:9 His wrath has torn, and he has been hostile toward me; he gnashed at me with his teeth. My foe sharpens his eyes against me.
16:10 They gaped at me with their mouth; they struck my cheeks with disgrace; they have massed themselves together against me.
16:11 God delivers me to an evil one, and he casts me into the hands of the wicked.
16:12 “I was at ease, then he broke me in two, and he seized me by my neck; then he shattered me and set me up as a target for him.
16:13 His archers surround me; he slashes open my kidneys, and he does not have compassion; he pours out my gall on the ground.
16:14 He breached me breach upon breach; he rushes at me like a warrior.
16:15 “I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and I have inserted my pride in the dust.
16:16 My face is red because of weeping, and deep shadows are on my eyelids,
16:17 although violence is not on my hands, and my prayer is pure.
16:18 “O earth, you should not cover my blood, and let there be no place for my cry for help.
16:19 So now look, my witness is in the heavens, and he who vouches for me is in the heights.
16:20 My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God,
16:21 and it argues for a mortal with God, and as a human for his friend.
16:22 Indeed, after a few years have come, then I will go the way from which I will not return.
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