Chapter 13

  Truly, my eye has seen all this, word of it has come to my ear, and I have knowledge of it.  

-

  The same things are in my mind as in yours; I am equal to you.  

-

  But I would have talk with the Ruler of all, and my desire is to have an argument with God.  

-

  But you put a false face on things; all your attempts to put things right are of no value.  

-

  If only you would keep quiet, it would be a sign of wisdom!  

-

  Give ear to the argument of my mouth, and take note of the words of my lips.  

-

  Will you say in God's name what is not right, and put false words into his mouth?  

-

  Will you have respect for God's person in this cause, and put yourselves forward as his supporters?  

-

  Will it be good for you to be searched out by him, or have you the thought that he may be guided into error like a man?  

-

  He will certainly put you right, if you have respect for persons in secret.  

-

  Will not his glory put you in fear, so that your hearts will be overcome before him?  

-

  Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.  

-

  Keep quiet, and let me say what is in my mind, whatever may come to me.  

-

  I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.  

-

  Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;  

-

  And that will be my salvation, for an evil-doer would not come before him,  

-

  Give ear with care to my words, and keep what I say in your minds.  

-

  See now, I have put my cause in order, and I am certain that I will be seen to be right.  

-

  Is any one able to take up the argument against me? If so, I would keep quiet and give up my breath.  

-

  Only two things do not do to me, then I will come before your face:  

-

  Take your hand far away from me; and let me not be overcome by fear of you.  

-

  Then at the sound of your voice I will give answer; or let me put forward my cause for you to give me an answer.  

-

  What is the number of my evil-doings and my sins? give me knowledge of them.  

-

  Why is your face veiled from me, as if I was numbered among your haters?  

-

  Will you be hard on a leaf in flight before the wind? will you make a dry stem go more quickly on its way?  

-

  For you put bitter things on record against me, and send punishment on me for the sins of my early years;  

-

  And you put chains on my feet, watching all my ways, and making a limit for my steps;  

-

  Though a man comes to nothing like a bit of dead wood, or like a robe which has become food for the worm.  

-