| Chapter 13 |
1 |
"Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it. |
2 |
What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. |
3 |
"Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. |
4 |
But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. |
5 |
Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. |
6 |
Hear now my reasoning. 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? Will you contend for God? |
9 |
Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him? |
10 |
He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality. |
11 |
Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you? |
12 |
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. |
13 |
"Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will. |
14 |
Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand? |
15 |
Behold, he will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. |
16 |
This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him. |
17 |
Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. |
18 |
See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. |
19 |
Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit. |
20 |
"Only don`t do two things to me; Then I will not hide myself from your face: |
21 |
Withdraw your hand far from me; And don`t let your terror make me afraid. |
22 |
Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and you answer me. |
23 |
How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. |
24 |
Why hide you your face, And hold me for your enemy? |
25 |
Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? |
26 |
For you write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: |
27 |
You also put my feet in the stocks, And mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet: |
28 |
Though I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. |