Job 6:14-30

New International Version

¹⁴ “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend^(A)
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.^(B)
15 But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,^(C)
    as the streams that overflow
¹⁶ when darkened by thawing ice
    and swollen with melting snow,^(D)
17 but that stop flowing in the dry season,
    and in the heat^(E) vanish from their channels.
¹⁸ Caravans turn aside from their routes;
    they go off into the wasteland and perish.
¹⁹ The caravans of Tema^(F) look for water,
    the traveling merchants of Sheba^(G) look in hope.
²⁰ They are distressed, because they had been confident;
    they arrive there, only to be disappointed.^(H)
21 Now you too have proved to be of no help;
    you see something dreadful and are afraid.^(I)
22 Have I ever said, ‘Give something on my behalf,
    pay a ransom^(J) for me from your wealth,^(K)
23 deliver me from the hand of the enemy,
    rescue me from the clutches of the ruthless’?^(L)

²⁴ “Teach me, and I will be quiet;^(M)
    show me where I have been wrong.^(N)
25 How painful are honest words!^(O)
    But what do your arguments prove?
²⁶ Do you mean to correct what I say,
    and treat my desperate words as wind?^(P)
27 You would even cast lots^(Q) for the fatherless^(R)
    and barter away your friend.

²⁸ “But now be so kind as to look at me.
    Would I lie to your face?^(S)
29 Relent, do not be unjust;^(T)
    reconsider, for my integrity^(U) is at stake.^[a](V)
30 Is there any wickedness on my lips?^(W)
    Can my mouth not discern^(X) malice?