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Job 13
1 I have seen all this with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and understood.
2 Whatever you know, I know too; I am no way inferior to you.
3 But my words are intended for Shaddai; I mean to remonstrate with God.
4 As for you, you are only charlatans, physicians in your own estimation.
5 I wish someone would teach you to be quiet – the only wisdom that becomes you!
6 Kindly listen to my accusation, pay attention to the pleading of my lips.
7 Will you plead God’s defence with prevarication, his case in terms that ring false?
8 Will you be partial in his favour, and act as his advocates?
9 For you to meet his scrutiny, would this be well? Can he be duped as men are duped?
10 Harsh rebuke you would receive from him for your covert partiality.
11 Does his majesty not affright you, dread of him not fall on you?
12 Your old maxims are proverbs of ash, your retorts, retorts of clay.
13 Silence! Now I will do the talking, whatever may befall me.
14 I put my flesh between my teeth, I take my life in my hands.
15 Let him kill me if he will; I have no other hope than to justify my conduct in his eyes.
16 This very boldness gives promise of my release, since no godless man would dare appear before him.
17 Listen carefully to my words, and lend your ears to what I have to say.
18 You shall see, I will proceed by due form of law, persuaded, as I am, that I am guiltless.
19 Who comes against me with an accusation? Let him come! I am ready to be silenced and to die.
20 But grant me these two favours: if not, I shall not dare to confront you.
21 Take your hand away, which lies so heavy on me, no longer make me cower from your terror.
22 Then arraign me, and I will reply; or rather, I will speak and you shall answer me.
23 How many faults and crimes have I committed? What law have I transgressed, or in what have I offended?
24 Why do you hide your face and look on me as your enemy?
25 Will you intimidate a wind-blown leaf, will you chase the dried-up chaff;
26 you list bitter accusations against me, taxing me with the faults of my youth,
27 after putting my feet in the stocks, watching my every step, and measuring my footprints;
28 while my life is crumbling like rotten wood, or a moth-eaten garment.