Job 13- 1
- "My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.
- 2
- What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.
- 3
- But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.
- 4
- You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!
- 5
- If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
- 6
- Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips.
- 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 examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?
- 10
- He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
- 11
- Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?
- 12
- Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
- 13
- "Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.
- 14
- Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?
- 15
- Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely [1] defend my ways to his face.
- 16
- Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!
- 17
- Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.
- 18
- Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.
- 19
- Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.
- 20
- "Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:
- 21
- Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.
- 22
- Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply.
- 23
- How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.
- 24
- Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?
- 25
- Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?
- 26
- For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.
- 27
- You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.
- 28
- "So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.
- [15] Or He will surely slay me; I have no hope -- / yet I will