1 Then Job replied [to his friends],

2 "I have heard many things like this before. You are all pathetic at comforting me.

3 Will [your] long-winded speeches never end? What disturbs you that you keep on answering [me]?

4 I, too, could speak like you if we could trade places. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you.

5 I could encourage you with my mouth, and my quivering lips could ease [your pain].

6 If I speak, my pain is not eased. If I stop talking, how much of it will go away?

7 "But now, God has worn me out. You, [God,] have destroyed everyone who supports me.

8 You have shriveled me up, which itself is a witness [against me]. My frail body rises up and testifies against me.

9 "God's anger tore me [apart] and attacked me. He gritted his teeth at me. My opponent looked sharply at me.

10 People gaped at me with wide-open mouths. In scorn they slapped my cheeks. They united against me.

11 God handed me over to unjust people and threw me into the hands of wicked people.

12 I was at ease, and he shattered me. He grabbed me by the back of the neck and smashed [my skull]. He set me up as his target,

13 and his archers surrounded me. He slashes open my kidneys without mercy and spills my blood on the ground.

14 He inflicts wound after wound on me. He lunges at me like a warrior.

15 "I have sewn sackcloth over my skin, and I have thrown my strength in the dust.

16 My face is red from crying, and dark shadows encircle my eyes,

17 although my hands have done nothing violent, and my prayer is sincere.

18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Don't ever let my cry [for justice] be stopped.

19 Even now, look! My witness is in heaven, and the one who testifies for me is above,

20 the spokesman for my thoughts. My eyes drip [with tears] to God

21 But my witness will plead for a human in front of God. The Son of Man will plead for his friend!

22 because in a few short years I will take the path of no return.