30Job 30

1But men younger than I am make fun of me now! Their fathers have always been so worthless that I wouldn't let them help my dogs guard sheep.Select Job 30:1

2They were a bunch of worn-out men, too weak to do any work for me.Select Job 30:2

3They were so poor and hungry that they would gnaw dry roots— at night, in wild, desolate places.Select Job 30:3

4They pulled up the plants of the desert and ate them, even the tasteless roots of the broom tree!Select Job 30:4

5Everyone drove them away with shouts, as if they were shouting at thieves.Select Job 30:5

6They had to live in caves, in holes dug in the sides of cliffs.Select Job 30:6

7Out in the wilds they howled like animals and huddled together under the bushes.Select Job 30:7

8A worthless bunch of nameless nobodies! They were driven out of the land.Select Job 30:8

9Now they come and laugh at me; I am nothing but a joke to them.Select Job 30:9

10They treat me with disgust; they think they are too good for me, and even come and spit in my face.Select Job 30:10

11Because God has made me weak and helpless, they turn against me with all their fury.Select Job 30:11

12This mob attacks me head-on; they send me running; they prepare their final assault.Select Job 30:12

13They cut off my escape and try to destroy me; and there is no one to stop them.Select Job 30:13

14They pour through the holes in my defenses and come crashing down on top of me;Select Job 30:14

15I am overcome with terror; my dignity is gone like a puff of wind, and my prosperity like a cloud.Select Job 30:15

16Now I am about to die; there is no relief for my suffering.Select Job 30:16

17At night my bones all ache; the pain that gnaws me never stops.Select Job 30:17

18God seizes me by my collar and twists my clothes out of shape.Select Job 30:18

19He throws me down in the mud; I am no better than dirt.Select Job 30:19

20I call to you, O God, but you never answer; and when I pray, you pay no attention.Select Job 30:20

21You are treating me cruelly; you persecute me with all your power.Select Job 30:21

22You let the wind blow me away; you toss me about in a raging storm.Select Job 30:22

23I know you are taking me off to my death, to the fate in store for everyone.Select Job 30:23

24Why do you attack a ruined man, one who can do nothing but beg for pity?Select Job 30:24

25Didn't I weep with people in trouble and feel sorry for those in need?Select Job 30:25

26I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead.Select Job 30:26

27I am torn apart by worry and pain; I have had day after day of suffering.Select Job 30:27

28I go about in gloom, without any sunshine; I stand up in public and plead for help.Select Job 30:28

29My voice is as sad and lonely as the cries of a jackal or an ostrich.Select Job 30:29

30My skin has turned dark; I am burning with fever.Select Job 30:30

31Where once I heard joyful music, now I hear only mourning and weeping.Select Job 30:31