Summary
- Job replied to his friend criticizing him of being a bad comforter; he gave some insights how he would advise if the role is of reverse;
- Job mentioned that he did not do anything wrong and his prayer us pure or sincere.
Job 16:1,3-22
1 I have heard words like that before; the comfort you give is only torment.
[3]Are you going to keep on talking for ever? Do you always have to have the last word?
[4]If you were in my place and I in yours, I could say everything you are saying. I could shake my head wisely and drown you with a flood of words.
[5]I could strengthen you with advice and keep talking to comfort you.
[6]But nothing I say helps, and being silent does not calm my pain.
[7]You have worn me out, God; you have let my family be killed.
[8]You have seized me; you are my enemy. I am skin and bones, and people take that as proof of my guilt.
[9]In anger God tears me limb from limb; he glares at me with hate.
[10]People sneer at me; they crowd round me and slap my face.
[11]God has handed me over to evil people.
[12]I was living in peace, but God took me by the throat and battered me and crushed me. God uses me for target practice
[13]and shoots arrows at me from every side — arrows that pierce and wound me; and even then he shows no pity.
[14]He wounds me again and again; he attacks like a soldier gone mad with hate.
[15]I mourn and wear clothes made of sackcloth, and I sit here in the dust defeated.
[16]I have cried until my face is red, and my eyes are swollen and circled with shadows,
[17]but I am not guilty of any violence, and my prayer to God is sincere.
[18]O Earth, don’t hide the wrongs done to me! Don’t let my call for justice be silenced!
[19]There is someone in heaven to stand up for me and take my side.
[20]My friends scorn me; my eyes pour out tears to God.
[21]I want someone to plead with God for me, as one pleads for a friend.
[22]My years are passing now, and I walk the road of no return.