Job 13

. Job 13:1-28 [1][JOB CONTINUED:] Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. [2]What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. [3]Surely I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue and reason my case with God [that He may explain the conflict between what I believe of Him and what I see of Him]. [4]But you are forgers of lies [you defame my character most untruthfully]; you are all physicians of no value and have no remedy to offer. [5]Oh, that you would altogether hold your peace! Then you would evidence your wisdom and you might pass for wise men. [6]Hear now my reasoning, and listen to the pleadings of my lips. [7]Will you speak unrighteously for God and talk deceitfully for Him? [8]Will you show partiality to Him [be unjust to me in order to gain favor with Him]? Will you act as special pleaders for God? [9]Would it be profitable for you if He should investigate your tactics [with me]? Or as one deceives and mocks a man, do you deceive and mock Him? [10]He will surely reprove you if you do secretly show partiality. [11]Shall not His majesty make you afraid, and should not your awe for Him restrain you? [12]Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes [valueless]; your defenses are defenses of clay [and will crumble]. [13]Hold your peace! Let me alone, so I may speak; and let come on me what may. [14]Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands [incurring the danger of God’s wrath]? [15][I do it because, though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and] behold, He will slay me; I have no hope–nevertheless, I will maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face. [16]This will be my salvation, that a polluted and godless man shall not come before Him. [17]Listen diligently to my speech, and let my declaration be in your ears. [18]Behold now, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be justified and vindicated. [19]Who is he who will argue against and refute me? For then I would hold my peace and expire. [20]Only [O Lord] grant two conditions to me, and then will I not hide myself from You: [21]Withdraw Your hand and take this bodily suffering far from me; and let not my [reverent] dread of You terrify me. [22]Then [Lord] call and I will answer, or let me speak, and You answer me. [23]How many are my iniquities and sins [that so much sorrow should come to me]? Make me recognize and know my transgression and my sin. [Rom. 8:1.] [24]Why do You hide Your face [as if offended] and alienate me as if I were Your enemy? [25]Will You harass and frighten a [poor, helpless] leaf driven to and fro, and will You pursue the chaff of the dry stubble? [26]For You write bitter things against me [in Your bill of indictment] and make me inherit and be accountable now for the iniquities of my youth. [27]You put my feet also in the stocks and observe critically all my paths; You set a circle and limit around the soles of my feet [which I must not overstep]. [28]And he wastes away as a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.