Daily Bible Readings October 13, 2015

Job 16-17Common English Bible (CEB) Job’s response 16 Then Job answered: 2 I’ve heard many things like these.     All of you are sorry comforters. 3 Will windy talk ever cease;     what bothers you that you must argue? 4 In your situation I could speak like you;     I could put words together to oppose you,     shake my head over you. 5 I could heap up words, strengthen you with my speech;     my trembling lips would be held in check. 6 If I speak, my pain is not eased;     if I hold back, what have I lost? The innocent are God’s targets 7 Now God has surely worn me out.     You have destroyed my entire group, 8     seized me, which became grounds for an accusation.[a] My leanness rises to bear witness against me. 9 His anger tears me and afflicts me;     he slashes at me with his teeth.     My enemy pierces me with his eyes. 10 They open their mouths at me     and strike my cheek in a taunt;         they gang up on me. 11 God delivers me to a criminal     and forces me into the hands of the wicked. 12 I was at rest, but he shattered me,     seized me by the back of my neck,     dashed me into pieces;         he raised me up for his target. 13 His archers surround me;     he cuts my kidneys open without pity and doesn’t care,         pours my gall on the ground, 14     bursts me open over and over,         runs against me like a strong man. 15 I’ve sewed rough cloth over my skin     and buried my dignity in the dust. 16 My face is red from crying,     and dark gloom hangs on my eyelids. 17 But there is no violence in my hands,     and my prayer is pure. Lingering hope 18 Earth, don’t cover my blood;     let my outcry never cease. 19 Surely now my witness stands in heaven;     my advocate is on high; 20     my go-between, my friend.[b] While my eyes drip tears to God, 21     let him plead with God for a human being,     like a person pleads for a friend. 22 A number of years will surely pass,     and then I’ll walk a path that I won’t return. Another lament 17 My spirit is broken,     my days extinguished,     the grave,[c] mine. 2 Surely mockers are with me,     and my eye looks on their rebellion. 3 Take my guarantee.     Who else is willing to make an agreement? 4 You’ve closed their mind to insight;     therefore, you won’t be exalted. 5 He denounces his friends for gain,     and his children’s eyes fail. 6 He makes me a popular proverb;     I’m like spit in people’s faces. 7 My eye is weak from grief;     my limbs like a shadow—all of them. 8 Those who do the right thing are amazed at this;     the guiltless become troubled about the godless. 9 The innocent clings to his way;     the one whose hands are clean grows stronger. 10 But you can bring all of them again,     and I won’t find a wise one among you. 11 My days have passed;     my goals are destroyed, my heart’s desires. 12 They turn night into day;     light is near because of the darkness. 13 If I hope for the underworld[d] as my dwelling,     lay out my bed in darkness, 14     I’ve called corruption “my father,”     the worm, “my mother and sister.” 15     Where then is my hope?         My hope—who can see it? 16 Will they go down with me to the underworld;[e]     will we descend together to the dust? Common English Bible (CEB), used with permission Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible