NET Bible

Job Pleads His Cause to God1

^13:1 “Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it. ^13:2 What you know, I know also; I am not inferior to you! ^13:3 But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. ^13:4 But you, however, are inventors of lies; all of you are worthless physicians! ^13:5 If only you would keep completely silent! For you, that would be wisdom. ^13:6 Listen now to my argument, and be attentive to my lips’ contentions. ^13:7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him? ^13:8 Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God? ^13:9 Would it turn out well if he would examine you? Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him? ^13:10 He would certainly rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. ^13:11 Would not his splendor terrify you and the fear he inspires fall on you? ^13:12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. ^13:13 “Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak; then let come to me what may. ^13:14 Why do I put myself in peril, and take my life in my hands? ^13:15 Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. ^13:16 Moreover, this will become my deliverance, for no godless person would come before him. ^13:17 Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation. ^13:18 See now, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right. ^13:19 Who will contend with me? If anyone can, I will be silent and die. ^13:20 Only in two things spare me, O God, and then I will not hide from your face: ^13:21 Remove your hand far from me and stop making me afraid with your terror. ^13:22 Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you respond to me. ^13:23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Show me my transgression and my sin. ^13:24 Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy? ^13:25 Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf and chase after dry chaff? ^13:26 For you write down bitter things against me and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth. ^13:27 And you put my feet in the stocks and you watch all my movements; you put marks on the soles of my feet. ^13:28 So I waste away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.