Christian Standard Bible

New Living Translation

1Look, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it.

1“Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand.

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

2I know as much as you do. You are no better than I am.

3Yet I prefer to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.

3As for me, I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God himself.

4You use lies like plaster; you are all worthless healers.

4As for you, you smear me with lies. As physicians, you are worthless quacks.

5If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!

5If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.

6Hear now my argument, and listen to my defense.

6Listen to my charge; pay attention to my arguments.

7Would you testify unjustly on God's behalf or speak deceitfully for him?

7“Are you defending God with lies? Do you make your dishonest arguments for his sake?

8Would you show partiality to him or argue the case in his defense?

8Will you slant your testimony in his favor? Will you argue God’s case for him?

9Would it go well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you would deceive a man?

9What will happen when he finds out what you are doing? Can you fool him as easily as you fool people?

10Surely he would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.

10No, you will be in trouble with him if you secretly slant your testimony in his favor.

11Would God's majesty not terrify you? Would his dread not fall on you?

11Doesn’t his majesty terrify you? Doesn’t your fear of him overwhelm you?

12Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash; your defenses are made of clay.

12Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot.

13Be quiet, and I will speak. Let whatever comes happen to me.

13“Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences.

14I will put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands.

14Why should I put myself in mortal danger and take my life in my own hands?

15Even if he kills me, I will hope in him. I will still defend my ways before him.

15God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.

16Yes, this will result in my deliverance, for no godless person can appear before him.

16But this is what will save me—I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.

17Pay close attention to my words; let my declaration ring in your ears.

17“Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.

18Now then, I have prepared my case; I know that I am right.

18I have prepared my case; I will be proved innocent.

19Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die.

19Who can argue with me over this? And if you prove me wrong, I will remain silent and die. Job Asks How He Has Sinned

20Only grant these two things to me, God, so that I will not have to hide from your presence:

20“O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you.

21remove your hand from me, and do not let your terror frighten me.

21Remove your heavy hand from me, and don’t terrify me with your awesome presence.

22Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you can respond to me.

22Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.

23How many iniquities and sins have I committed? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.

23Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.

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

24Why do you turn away from me? Why do you treat me as your enemy?

25Will you frighten a wind-driven leaf? Will you chase after dry straw?

25Would you terrify a leaf blown by the wind? Would you chase dry straw?

26For you record bitter accusations against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

26“You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth.

27You put my feet in the stocks and stand watch over all my paths, setting a limit for the soles of my feet.

27You put my feet in stocks. You examine all my paths. You trace all my footprints.

28A person wears out like something rotten, like a moth-eaten garment.

28I waste away like rotting wood, like a moth-eaten coat.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.