Job 13
1 Look, I've seen all this with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and I understand it.
Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it.
2 I know what you know. You're no better than me.
The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you.
3 But I would still like to speak to the Almighty: I want to prove myself to God!
But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.
4 As for you, you cover things up by telling lies! You are all like doctors who can't heal anyone!
But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value.
5 I wish you would all be quiet! That would be the wisest thing for you to do.
If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!
6 Listen to my argument and pay attention to what I have to say.
Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips.
7 Do you think you can tell lies to defend God? Are you talking deceitfully on his behalf?
Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?
8 Or are you wanting to show God favoritism? Are you going to argue God's case for him?
Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters?
9 Will you be found to be doing good when God examines you? Can you fool him as if he's a human being?
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 No, he will definitely rebuke you if you secretly show him favoritism!
He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret.
11 Isn't his majesty terrifying to you? Aren't you so afraid of him you're paralyzed?
Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him?
12 Your sayings are as helpful as ashes; your arguments as weak as clay.
Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.
13 Be quiet. Don't talk to me. Let me speak, come what may.
Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me.
14 I take responsibility for myself; I am ready to risk my life.
I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.
15 Even though he kills me, I will hope in him. I am still going to defend my ways before him.
Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;
16 By doing this I will be saved since no godless person could come before him.
And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him,
17 Listen carefully to what I say, pay attention to my explanation.
Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds.
18 Look, I've prepared my case—I know I will be proved right.
See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right.
19 Who wants to argue with me? If I'm proved wrong, I'm prepared to be quiet 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 God, I have two requests, then I can face you.
Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face:
21 Stop beating me, and stop terrifying me.
Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you.
22 Then call, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and then answer me.
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 What are my sins and iniquities? Show me what have I done wrong; how have I rebelled against you?
What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them.
24 Why are you unfriendly towards me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?
Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters?
25 Would you frighten a leaf blown by the wind or hunt down a piece of straw?
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 write down bitter things against me and pay me back for the sins 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. You keep an eye on every step I take. You even inspect my footprints!
And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps;
28 I'm falling apart like something rotten, like moth-eaten clothes.
Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm.
