Job 6:11-13

Job explained that his body and his spirit were weak. Job used to be a great man, whom everybody respected (Job 1:3; Job 29:1-10; Job 29:21-25). He was a leader of his people. But now, Job needed help. And his friends were not helping him.

Job cannot trust his friends

v14 When a man has many troubles, his friends should support that man. They should even help a man who does not respect God.

v15 You are like brothers to me. But I cannot trust you. You are like streams that are dry in hot weather. v16 When ice and snow melt, these streams are full. v17 But when the weather is dry, these streams are empty. The weather is hot, and there is no water.

v18 People who trust these streams are in danger. People leave the roads to find the stream. These people wander. And they will die (because they cannot find any water). v19 Merchants travel from distant countries. They search for the water. v20 They are confident until they arrive at the stream. But they are sad when they cannot find any water.

v21 You are like those streams. You cannot help me. You have seen my troubles. But you are afraid.

v22 But I have not asked you to help me. I have not requested your money. v23 I have not asked you to rescue me from my enemy. And I have not asked you to save me from a cruel man.

v24 If you teach me, I will be quiet. Tell me, if I am wrong. v25 If your words are honest, then your words might upset me. But your speeches prove nothing. v26 Perhaps you just want to argue with me. You see that my situation is hopeless. So perhaps you think that my words mean nothing, like the sound of the wind. v27 You do not even care about a child who has no father. You prefer to play games than to help your friend.

v28 But now, be kind to me! Look at me! I do not lie to you. v29 Be fair! Think about these matters again. I am an innocent man. v30 My words are not wicked. I know the difference between right deeds and wrong deeds.