Job Chapter 13 

 

Behold, my eyes have seen everything,

                My ears have heard, and I comprehend it all.

Everything you know, I know also,

                I am no less than you.

Yet, I wish to speak with the Almighty,

                I desire to reason with God.

 

You, however, whitewash with lies,

                Mountebanks (False healers), every one of you.

If only you could keep silent,

                It would count as a mark of wisdom.

Hear now my reasoning,

                To the pleading of my lips, listen.

 

Do you speak falsehood for God’s sake?

                On His behalf that you utter lies?

Would you show partiality toward Him?

                Would you plead the case for God?

Will it go well with you when He examines you?

                Could you deceive Him, as you play men for fools?

Would He praise you,

                If you were partial to either side?

Will not His majesty terrify you?

                Will His fearsomeness not fall upon you?

Your arguments are maxims of ash,

                Your responses are insubstantial.

Hold you silence for me, and I shall speak,

                Then let come on me what may.

 

Why, shall I bear my flesh in my teeth,

                My life breath, in my palm?

Though He may slay me, I shall not be quiet,

                Yet, I will argue my case to His face.

Indeed, in this He will be my rescue,

                For no flatterer comes before Him.

Listen carefully to my words,

                Let my declaration be in your ears.

Now that I have prepared my case,

                I know that I would be vindicated.

 

If God responds: “Who dares to argue with me?”

                Then I must perish in silence.

Spare me from only two things,

                That I need not cower in Your presence,

Withdraw Your hand away from me,

                Let not my dread of You terrify me.

Summon me and I will respond,

                Or I can speak, and You answer.

How many are my iniquities, my sin?

                My transgression and my sin, inform me.

Why do You hide Your face?

                Treat me as Your enemy?

Would You torment a windblown leaf?

                Hound dry chaff?

That You decree bitter things for me,

                Make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.

You put my feet in shackles,

                Watch over all my paths,

                                Mark Your brand on the soles of my feet.

 

Wasting away like a wine skin.

                Like a garment devoured by the moth.