Job 13:18-28 ▼

18 “Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated.

19 “Who will argue and contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.

20 “Only [O Lord,] do not do two things to me, And then I will not hide myself from Your face:

21 Withdraw Your hand from me and remove this bodily suffering, And let not the dread of You terrify me.

22 “Then [Lord,] call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and then reply to me.

23 “How many are my iniquities and sins [that so much sorrow should come to me]? Make me recognize and understand my transgression and my sin.

24 “Why do You hide Your face [as if offended] And consider me Your enemy?

25 “Will You cause a windblown leaf to tremble? Will You pursue the chaff of the dry stubble?

26 “For You write bitter things against me [in Your indictment] And make me inherit and suffer for the iniquities of my youth.

27 “You also put my feet in the stocks [as punishment] And [critically] observe all my paths; You set a circle and limit around the soles of my feet [which I must not overstep],

28 While I waste away like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.