NETtext - Job - 13

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.