Job 6:14-30

¶“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not abandon (turn away from) the fear of the Almighty. “My brothers have acted deceitfully like a brook, Like the torrents of brooks that vanish, Which are dull and dirty because of ice, And into which the snow melts and hides itself; When it is warm, they are silent and cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place. “The paths of their course wind along, They go up into nothing and perish. [Your counsel is as helpful to me as a dry streambed in the heat of summer.] “The caravans of Tema looked [for water], The caravans of Sheba waited for them [in vain]. “They were put to shame and disappointed because they had trusted [that they would find water]; They came there and were ashamed. “Indeed, you have now become like a dried-up stream, You see a terror [believing me to be a victim of the wrath of God] and are afraid [to be compassionate]. “Did I ever say, ‘Give me something,’ Or, ‘Pay a bribe for me from your wealth,’ Or, ‘Rescue me from the adversary’s hand,’ Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the tyrants’? ¶“Teach me, and I will be silent; And show me how I have erred. “How painful are words of honesty. But what does your argument prove? “Do you intend to reprove my words [with a convincing argument], When the words of one in despair belong to the wind [and go ignored]? “You would cast lots (gamble) over the fatherless And bargain away your friend. “Now please look at me, And see if I lie to your face [for you know that I would not]. “Turn away [from your suspicion], let there be no injustice; Turn away, my righteousness and vindication is still in it. “Is there injustice or malice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern what is destructive?