Job 13

13:1

“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.

13:2

What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

13:3

Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.

13:4

You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.

13:5

If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

13:6

Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.

13:7

Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?

13:8

Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?

13:9

Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?

13:10

Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

13:11

Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?

13:12

Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

13:13

Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.

13:14

Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?

13:15

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.

13:16

Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.

13:17

Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.

13:18

Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated.

13:19

Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.

13:20

Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You:

13:21

Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.

13:22

Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.

13:23

How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.

13:24

Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?

13:25

Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff?

13:26

For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.

13:27

You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths; You set a limit for the soles of my feet.

13:28

So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.