GodsWord - Job - 13

13:1  "My eye has certainly seen all of this! My ear has heard and understood it.

13:2  After all, I know it as well as you do. I am not inferior to you.

13:3  However, I want to speak to the Almighty, and I wish to argue my case in front of God.

13:4  But you are smearing me with lies. All of you are worthless physicians.

13:5  I wish you would keep silent. For you, that would be wisdom.

13:6  Please listen to my argument, and pay attention to my plea.

13:7  "Will you talk wickedly for God and talk deceitfully on his behalf?

13:8  Will you favor him as if you were arguing in court on God's behalf?

13:9  Will it go well when he cross-examines you? Will you try to trick him as one mortal tricks another?

13:10  Will he really defend you if you secretly favor him?

13:11  Doesn't his majesty terrify you? Doesn't the fear of him fall upon you?

13:12  "Your recollections are worthless proverbs. Your answers are absolutely useless.

13:13  Be quiet, because I want to speak. Let whatever may happen to me happen!

13:14  I am biting off more than I can chew and taking my life in my own hands.

13:15  If God would kill me, I would have no hope left. Nevertheless, I will defend my behavior to his face.

13:16  This also will be my salvation because no godless person could face him.

13:17  "Listen carefully to my words. Hear my declaration.

13:18  I have prepared my case. I know that I will be declared righteous.

13:19  Who can make a case against me? If someone could, I'd be silent and die.

13:20  "Please don't do two things to me so that I won't have to hide from you:

13:21  Stop oppressing me. Don't let your terror frighten me.

13:22  Then call, and I'll answer. Otherwise, I'll speak, and you'll answer me.

13:23  How many crimes and sins have I committed? Make me aware of my disobedience and my sin.

13:24  Why do you hide your face from me and consider me your enemy?

13:25  Are you trying to make a fluttering leaf tremble or trying to chase dry husks?

13:26  You write down bitter accusations against me. You make me suffer for the sins of my youth.

13:27  You put my feet in shackles. You follow my trail by engraving marks on the soles of my feet.

13:28  I am like worn-out wineskins, like moth-eaten clothes.