Job 13
- 1
“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it.
- 2
What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you!
- 3
But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.
- 4
But you, however, are inventors of lies; all of you are worthless physicians!
- 5
If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
- 6
Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips’ contentions.
- 7
Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?
- 8
Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?
- 9
Would it turn out well if he would examine you? Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him?
- 10
He would certainly rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
- 11
Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you?
- 12
Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
- 13
“Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak; then let come to me what may.
- 14
Why do I put myself in peril, and take my life in my hands?
- 15
Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
- 16
Moreover, this will become my deliverance, for no godless person would come before him.
- 17
Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation.
- 18
See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.
- 19
Who will contend with me? If anyone can, I will be silent and die.
- 20
Only in two things spare me, O God, and then I will not hide from your face:
- 21
Remove your hand far from me and stop making me afraid with your terror.
- 22
Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you respond to me.
- 23
How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgression and my sin.
- 24
Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy?
- 25
Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf and chase after dry chaff?
- 26
For you write down bitter things against me and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth.
- 27
And you put my feet in the stocks and you watch all my movements; you put marks on the soles of my feet.
- 28
So I waste away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.