Job 13

1Look, my eye has seen all this; my ear has heard and understood it.

2What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

3But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with God.

4But you smear lies; all of you are worthless physicians.

5If only you would keep completely silent, and it would count as wisdom for you.

6Please hear my argument, and listen to the pleadings of my lips.

7Will you speak injustice for God, and deceit for him?

8Will you show partiality for him? Or will you contend for God?

9Will it be good when he examines you? Or will you deceive him as one deceives a man?

10He will surely rebuke you if you secretly show partiality.

11Will not his majesty terrify you, and his dread fall upon you?

12Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

13Be silent, and let me speak; then let whatever may come upon me.

14Why do I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand?

15Though he slay me, I will not wait; yet I will argue my ways before him.

16This too will be my deliverance, for no godless person will come before him.

17Listen carefully to my words, and let my declaration reach your ears.

18Look, I have now prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.

19Who is it that will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.

20Only do not do two things to me; then I will not hide from your presence:

21Keep your hand away from me, and do not let your dread terrify me.

22Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.

23How many wrongs and sins do I have? Show me my transgression and my sin.

24Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?

25Will you terrify a windblown leaf and pursue dry straw?

26For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

27You put my feet in the stocks and watch all my paths; you trace around the soles of my feet.

28And he wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by a moth.