Chapter 13

  Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all.  

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  According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you.  

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  But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.  

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  Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.  

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  And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men..  

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  Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips.  

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  Hath God any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him?  

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  Do you accept his person, and do you endeavour to judge for God?  

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  Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed ? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings ?  

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  He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.  

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  As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you.  

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  Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.  

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  Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me.  

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  Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands?  

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  Although he should bill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.  

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  And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence.  

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  Hear ye my speech, and receive with Sour ears hidden truths.  

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  If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just.  

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  Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace?  

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  Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:  

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  Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me.  

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  Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me.  

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  How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offences.  

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  Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy?  

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  Against a leaf, that is carried away with the wind, thou shewest thy power, and thou pursuest a dry straw.  

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  For thou writest bitter things against me, and wilt consume me for the sins of my youth.  

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  Thou hast put my feet in the stocks, and hast observed all my paths, and hast considered the steps of my feet:  

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  Who am to be consumed as rottenness, and as a garment that is moth-eaten.  

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