Have you not made a hedge around him and his household and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land.

Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

“If someone should attempt a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?

Your words have supported those who stumbled, and you have strengthened the knees that gave way.

“Now a word was secretly brought to me, and my ear caught a whisper of it.

But because it is heavier than the sand of the sea, that is why my words have been wild.

Then I would yet have my comfort, then I would rejoice, in spite of pitiless pain, for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

How painful are honest words! But what does your reproof prove?

Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?

My body is clothed with worms and dirty scabs; my skin is broken and festering.

“How long will you speak these things, seeing that the words of your mouth are like a great wind?

Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding?

“How much less, then, can I answer him and choose my words to argue with him!

Is it good for you to oppress, to despise the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?

“Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?

Does not the ear test words, as the tongue tastes food?

But you, however, are inventors of lies; all of you are worthless physicians!

Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation.

Does he argue with useless talk, with words that have no value in them?

Are God’s consolations too trivial for you; or a word spoken in gentleness to you?