[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 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 [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?