Job 13

1My eye has seen all this;My ear has heard and understood it.

2What you know, I know also;I am not less than you.

3Indeed, I would speak to the Almighty;I insist on arguing with God.

4But you invent lies;All of you are quacks.

5If you would only keep quietIt would be considered wisdom on your part.

6Hear now my arguments,Listen to my pleading.

7Will you speak unjustly on God’s behalf—Speaking deceitfully

8And showing partiality?Will you plead God’s cause?

9Will it go well when you are examined?Will you fool [God] as you would a mortal?

10Surely you will be reprovedIf in your heart you show partiality.

11God’s threat will terrify you,And fear will seize you.

12Your briefs are empty platitudes;Your responses are unsubstantial.

13Keep quiet; I will have my say,Come what may upon me.

14How long! I will take my flesh in my teeth;I will take my life in my hands.

15I may well be slain; I may have no hope;. Yet I will argue my case before [God].

16In this too is my salvation:That no one impious can come into God’s presence.

17Listen closely to my words;Give ear to my discourse.

18See now, I have prepared a case;I know that I will win it.

19For who is it that would challenge me?I should then keep silent and expire.

20But two things do not do to me,So that I need not hide from You:

21Remove Your hand from me,And let not Your terror frighten me.

22Then summon me and I will respond,Or I will speak and You reply to me.

23How many are my iniquities and sins?Advise me of my transgression and sin.

24Why do You hide Your face,And treat me like an enemy?

25Will You harass a driven leaf,Will You pursue dried-up straw,

26That You decree for me bitter thingsAnd make me answer for the iniquities of my youth,

27That You put my feet in the stocksAnd watch all my ways,Hemming in my footsteps?

28One wastes away like a rotten thing,Like a garment eaten by moths.