Job 13
1 “My eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood it.
2 I know what you know; I am no less than you.
3 But I want to speak to the Almighty; I want to argue my case before God.
4 You are all makers of lies; you are worthless physicians.
5 If only you would keep completely silent! That would be wisdom for you.
6 Hear my defense; listen closely to the arguments of my lips.
7 Will you speak unjustly on God's behalf and tell lies for him?
8 Will you take his side? Will you argue God's case?
9 Would it be good for him to examine you? Will you deceive him as you mock a human being?
10 He will surely rebuke you if you secretly take sides.
11 Will his majesty not terrify you? Will not dread of him fall upon you?
12 Your maxims are sayings of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
13 Be quiet before me, and I will speak; then let whatever may come upon me come.
14 Why should I carry my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands?”
15 “Even if he kills me, I will wait for him; still, I will defend my ways before him.
16 This itself will be my salvation, for no godless person comes into his presence.
17 Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration enter your ears.
18 Look, I have prepared my case; I know I will be proved right.
19 Who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.
20 Only do not do these two things to me, and I will not hide from you:
21 Take your hand away from me, and do not let your terror frighten me.
22 Call, and I will answer; or I will speak, and you will answer me.
23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my transgression and my sin.
24 Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?
25 Will you frighten a leaf blown by the wind? Will you pursue dry straw?
26 For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.
27 You put my feet in the stocks; you watch all my paths and mark the soles of my feet.
28 And he wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.”
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