Job - Chapter 6

Job 6.1 But Job answered and said, Job 6.2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! Job 6.3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. Job 6.4 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. Job 6.5 Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? Job 6.6 Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg? Job 6.7 The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat. Job 6.8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Job 6.9 Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! Job 6.10 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. Job 6.11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life? Job 6.12 Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? Job 6.13 Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me? Job 6.14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. Job 6.15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; Job 6.16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: Job 6.17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. Job 6.18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. Job 6.19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. Job 6.20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed. Job 6.21 For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid. Job 6.22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance? Job 6.23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty? Job 6.24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. Job 6.25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? Job 6.26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? Job 6.27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend. Job 6.28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie. Job 6.29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it. Job 6.30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?

Job : Chapter 6

Job's Anguished Response

Chapter 6 of the Book of Job is a poignant testament to human suffering. In this passage, Job responds to the accusations of his friend Eliphaz, revealing the intensity of his anguish and disappointment with those around him. This text highlights several key themes such as the incomprehension of suffering, the urgent need for compassion, and personal integrity.

Job 6 illustrates the struggle of a righteous man facing incomprehensible trials, seeking to make sense of his pain. We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that illuminate the profound sentiments expressed in this moving chapter.

Psalms 38:2

"Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has crushed me." This verse resonates deeply with Job's cry of despair in Job 6:4, where he describes his suffering as arrows shot by the Almighty.

Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loves at all times; he is a brother in adversity." This proverb highlights the stark contrast between true friendship and the disappointment Job felt toward his friends, as illustrated in Job 6:14-15.

Lamentations 3:19-20

"I remember my affliction and my madness, my bitterness and my sorrow. I remember them well, and my soul faints within me." These verses resonate with Job's lamentations, reflecting his pains and sufferings similar to those expressed in Job 6:2-3.

James 5:11

"As you know, we consider those who persevere blessed. You have heard of the patience of Job and seen the outcome the Lord brought to him. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." The apostle James speaks of Job as a model of perseverance, highlighting his resilient attitude throughout his ordeal, including in Job 6.

Psalm 119:43

"Never remove the word of truth from my mouth, for I have hoped in Your precepts." This verse resonates with Job's burning desire to remain faithful to the truth, even in the midst of his suffering, as he expresses in Job 6:25.

Meditating on these passages, we are called to understand not only the depth of Job's suffering, but also the strength of his hope and integrity, even in the darkest moments. May these reflections guide and inspire us on our own journey of faith.