Job 13

1Look, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard it and understood it. 2What you know, I know too; I am not inferior to you. 3But I want to speak to the Almighty; I long to argue my case with God. 4But you smear things over with lies; all of you are worthless physicians. 5If only you would keep completely silent! That would be wisdom on your part. 6Please listen to my argument; pay attention to the case I plead. 7Will you speak what is unjust on God’s behalf, and say what is false for him? 8Will you show him partiality? Will you plead the case for God? 9Would it go well for you if he examined you? Can you fool him as you would fool a mortal? 10He will certainly rebuke you if you secretly show partiality. 11Will his majesty not fill you with terror? Will the dread of him not fall on you? 12Your wise sayings are proverbs made of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. 13Be quiet and leave me alone, so that I may speak; then let come on me what may. 14Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands? 15Even if he kills me, I will hope in him; still, I will defend my ways to his face. 16This too will turn out for my deliverance, since no godless person would come before him. 17Listen closely to what I say; let my declaration reach your ears. 18See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated. 19Who is there that can bring a case against me? If anyone can, I will be silent and die. 20Only do not do two things to me, and then I will not hide from your presence. 21Take your hand away from me, and do not let the terror of you frighten me. 22Then call me, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me. 23How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. 24Why do you hide your face and treat me as your enemy? 25Will you frighten a leaf blown by the wind? Will you chase after dry straw? 26For you write down bitter charges against me and make me pay for the sins of my youth. 27You put my feet in the stocks and keep watch on all my paths; you set a mark on the soles of my feet. 28So he wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.