Job, 13

¹ “Yes, my eye has seen all of this, My ear has heard and understood it.

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

³ For my part, I would rather speak to the Almighty himself; I desire to argue my case with God.

⁴ But you are smearing me with lies; All of you are useless physicians.

⁵ If only you would keep absolutely silent, That would show wisdom on your part.

⁶ Listen, please, to my arguments, And pay attention to the pleadings of my lips.

⁷ Will you speak unjustly on God’s behalf, And will you speak deceitfully for him?

⁸ Will you take his side,^*1 Will you try to plead the case of the true God?

⁹ Would it turn out well if he examined you? Will you fool him as you would a mortal man?

¹⁰ He will surely rebuke you If you secretly try to show favoritism.

¹¹ Will not his very dignity terrify you And the dread of him fall upon you?

¹² Your wise^*1 sayings are proverbs of ashes; Your defenses^*2 are as fragile as defenses of clay.

¹³ Keep silent before me, so that I may speak. Then let whatever may come upon me come!

¹⁴ Why do I put myself in danger^*1 And take my life^*2 in my hands?

¹⁵ Though he may slay me, I would still wait; I would argue my case^*1 before his face.

¹⁶ He would then become my salvation, For no godless person^*1 may come in before him.

¹⁷ Listen closely to my word; Pay attention to my declaration.

¹⁸ See, now, I have prepared my legal case; I know I am in the right.

¹⁹ Who will contend with me? I would die if I were to stay silent!^*1

²⁰ Only grant two things to me, O God,^*1 So that I will not conceal myself from before you:

²¹ Remove your heavy hand far away from me, And do not let the fear of you terrify me.

²² Either call and I will answer, Or let me speak, and you answer me.

²³ What are my errors and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and my sin.

²⁴ Why do you hide your face And consider me your enemy?

²⁵ Will you try to frighten a windblown leaf Or chase after dry stubble?

²⁶ For you keep recording bitter accusations against me, And you make me answer for the sins of my youth.

²⁷ You have put my feet in stocks, You scrutinize all my paths, And you trace out each of my footprints.

²⁸ So man^*1 decays like something rotten, Like a garment eaten by moths.