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1. Then Job answered,
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1.
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2. "If only my trials and troubles were weighed!
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2.
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3. They would weigh more than the sand of the seas. My words have been spoken fast and without thought.
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3.
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4. For the arrows of the Allpowerful are in me. My spirit drinks their poison. The hard things from God are like an army against me.
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4.
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5. Does the wild donkey make noise when it has grass? Or does the bull make noise when it has food?
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5.
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6. Can something that has no taste be eaten without salt? Is there any taste in the white of an egg?
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6.
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7. My soul will not touch them. They are like hated food to me.
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7.
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8. "If only I might get what I ask for, and that God would give me what I desire!
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8.
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9. If only God were willing to crush me, that He would let His hand loose and destroy me!
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9.
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10. But this gives me comfort even though I suffer much pain because I have not turned away from the words of the Holy One.
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10.
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11. What strength have I, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should not give up?
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11.
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12. Do I have the strength of stones? Is my flesh brass?
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12.
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13. I have no power to help myself, and a way out is far from me.
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13.
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14. "Kindness from a friend should be shown to a man without hope, or he might turn away from the fear of the All-powerful.
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14.
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15. My brothers have been like rivers that are not there when needed.
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15.
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16. They are dark because of ice and snow turning into water.
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16.
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17. When they have no water, there is no noise. When it is hot, they are not there.
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17.
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18. The people on their camels turn away from them. They go into the waste places and die.
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18.
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19. The people and camels of Tema looked. The travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
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19.
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20. They were troubled for they had trusted. They came there and their hope goes.
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20.
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21. Yes, this is how you have been. You see my trouble and are afraid.
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21.
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22. Have I said, 'Give me something,' or, 'Pay something from your riches to help me'?
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22.
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23. Have I said, 'Take me out from under the power of the one who hates me,' or, 'Save me from those who make it hard for me'?
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23.
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24. "Teach me, and I will be quiet. Show me where I have been wrong.
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24.
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25. Honest words give pain. But what does your arguing prove?
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25.
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26. Do you think you can speak against my words, and act as if the words of a man without hope are wind?
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26.
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27. You would even draw names over those who have no father, and make trades over your friend.
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27.
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28. Now be pleased to look at me, and see if I lie to your face.
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28.
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29. I ask that you change your minds and let no wrong be done. Stop now, for I am still right and good.
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29.
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30. Is there wrong-doing on my tongue? Can I not taste trouble?
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30.
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