Job 13:1-24 ▼

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 |Will you talk wickedly for God and talk deceitfully on his behalf?

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

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

10 Will he really defend you if you secretly favor [him]?

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

12 |Your recollections are worthless proverbs. Your answers are absolutely useless.

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

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

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

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

17 |Listen carefully to my words. Hear my declaration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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