Job 13

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

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

3But I would speak to the Almighty; I want to argue my case with God.

4As for you, you smear everything with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you.

5If only you would keep completely silent! That would be wisdom for you.

6Listen now to my argument, and pay attention to the pleas of my lips.

7Will you speak falsely on God’s behalf and speak deceitfully for him?

8Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?

9Would it go well for you if he examined you? Can you deceive him as one deceives a human being?

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

11Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall on you?

12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash; your defenses are defenses of clay.

13Be silent and let me speak, and let come on me what may.

14Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands?

15Though he kill me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.

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

17Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration be in your ears.

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

19Who is there who will bring charges against me? For then I would be silent and die.

20Only do not do two things to me, and then I will not hide from your face:

21withdraw your hand far from me, and do not let the dread of you terrify me.

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

23How many are my iniquities and sins? Let me know my transgression and my sin.

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

25Will you frighten a windblown leaf? Will you chase dry chaff?

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

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

28So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.