Job 13
1 “Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.
Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it.
2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you.
3 Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.
4 You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.
But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value.
5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!
6 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.
Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips.
7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?
Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?
8 Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense?
Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters?
9 Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man?
Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man?
10 Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret.
11 Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?
Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him?
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.
13 Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.
Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me.
14 Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?
I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
15 Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.
Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;
16 Moreover, this will be my salvation, for no godless man can appear before Him.
And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him,
17 Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.
Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds.
18 Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated.
See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right.
19 Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.
Is any one able to take up the argument against me? If so, I would keep quiet and give up my breath.
20 Only grant these two things to me, so that I need not hide from You:
Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face:
21 Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.
Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you.
22 Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.
Then at the sound of your voice I will give answer; or let me put forward my cause for you to give me an answer.
23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them.
24 Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy?
Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters?
25 Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff?
Will you be hard on a leaf in flight before the wind? will you make a dry stem go more quickly on its way?
26 For You record bitter accusations against me and bequeath to me the iniquities of my youth.
For you put bitter things on record against me, and send punishment on me for the sins of my early years;
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.
And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps;
28 So man wastes away like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.
Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm.
