1
Ndipo Ayubu akajibu na kusema,
Then Job replied:
2
Laiti uchungu wangu ungepimwa, Na msiba wangu kutiwa katika mizani pamoja!
“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales.
3
Kwa kuwa sasa ungekuwa mzito kuliko mchanga wa bahari; Kwa hiyo maneno yangu yamekuwa ya haraka.
For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash.
4
Kwa kuwa mishale ya huyo Mwenyezi i ndani yangu, Na roho yangu inainywa sumu yake; Vitisho vya Mungu vimejipanga juu yangu.
For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5
Je! Huyo punda-mwitu hulia akiwa na majani? Au, ng'ombe hulia malishoni?
Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder?
6
Je! Kitu kisicho na ladha yumkini kulika pasipo chumvi? Au je, uto wa yai una tamu iwayo yote?
Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?
7
Roho yangu inakataa hata kuvigusa; Kwangu mimi ni kama chakula kichukizacho.
My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me.
8
Laiti ningepewa haja yangu, Naye Mungu angenipa neno hilo ninalolitamani sana!
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
9
Kwamba Mungu angekuwa radhi kuniseta; Kwamba angeulegeza mkono wake na kunikatilia mbali!
that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!
10
Hapo ndipo ningefarijika hata sasa; Naam, ningejikuza katika maumivu yasiyoniacha; Kwa kuwa sikuyakana maneno yake Mtakatifu.
It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11
Nguvu zangu ni zipi, hata ningoje? Na mwisho wangu ni nini, hata nisubiri?
What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?
12
Je! Nguvu zangu ni nguvu za mawe? Au mwili wangu, je! Ni shaba?
Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?
13
Je! Si kwamba sina msaada ndani yangu. Tena kwamba kufanikiwa kumeondolewa mbali nami?
Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
14
Kwake huyo atakaye kuzima roho inapasa atendewe mema na rafiki; Hata kwake huyo aachaye kumcha Mwenyezi.
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15
Ndugu zangu wametenda udanganyifu kama kijito cha maji. Mfano wa fumbi la vijito vipitavyo.
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
16
Vilivyokuwa vyeusi kwa sababu ya barafu, Ambamo theluji hujificha.
darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow,
17
Wakati vipatapo moto hutoweka; Kukiwako hari, hukoma mahali pao.
but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.
18
Misafara isafiriyo kwa njia yao hugeuka; Hukwea kwenda barani, na kupotea.
Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
19
Misafara ya Tema huvitazama, Majeshi ya Sheba huvingojea.
The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.
20
Wametahayari kwa sababu walitumaini; Wakaja huku, nao walifadhaika.
They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment.
21
Kwani sasa ninyi mmekuwa vivyo; Mwaona jambo la kutisha, mkaogopa.
For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.
22
Je! Nilisema, Nipeni? Au, Nitoleeni toleo katika mali yenu?
Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth;
23
Au, Niokoeni na mkono wa adui? Au, Nikomboeni na mikono ya hao waoneao?
deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’?
24
Nifunzeni, nami nitanyamaa kimya; Mkanijulishe ni jambo gani nililokosa.
Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
25
Jinsi yafaavyo maneno ya uelekevu! Lakini kuhoji kwenu, je! Kumeonya nini?
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
26
Je! Mwafikiri kuyakemea maneno? Maana maneno ya huyo aliyekata tamaa ni kama upepo.
Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?
27
Naam, mwapenda kuwapigia kura hao mayatima, Na kufanya biashara ya rafiki yenu.
You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend.
28
Sasa basi iweni radhi kuniangalia; Kwani hakika sitanena uongo usoni penu.
But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face?
29
Rudini, nawasihi, lisiwe neno la udhalimu; Naam, rudini tena, neno langu ni la haki.
Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake.
30
Je! Mna udhalimu ulimini mwangu? Je! Makaakaa yangu hayatambui mambo ya madhara?
Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?