Add parallel Print Page Options

“I could also rant on as you do,
    if you were in my place.
I could exhaust you with my words
    and shake my head at you.[a]
But I would offer words of encouragement,
    and comfort from my lips would alleviate your pain.
When I speak, my suffering is not eased,
    and if I remain silent, my pain does not stop.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 16:4 Shaking the head signifies commiseration, scorn, or mockery (see Ps 22:8; Jer 48:27; Mt 27:39).

I also could speak like you,
    if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
    and shake my head(A) at you.
But my mouth would encourage you;
    comfort(B) from my lips would bring you relief.(C)

“Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved;
    and if I refrain, it does not go away.(D)

Read full chapter