Chapter 13

  'Behold, my eye has seen all this, My ear has heard and understood it.  

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  What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.  

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  'Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.  

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  But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.  

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  Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.  

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  Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.  

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  Will you speak unrighteously for God, And talk deceitfully for him?  

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  Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God?  

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  Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him?  

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  He will surely reprove you If you secretly show partiality.  

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  Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you?  

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  Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.  

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  'Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.  

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  Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hand?  

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  Behold, he will kill me; I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.  

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  This also shall be my salvation, That a godless man shall not come before him.  

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  Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.  

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  See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.  

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  Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.  

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  'Only don't do two things to me; Then I will not hide myself from your face:  

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  Withdraw your hand far from me; And don't let your terror make me afraid.  

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  Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, and you answer me.  

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  How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.  

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  Why hide you your face, And hold me for your enemy?  

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  Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?  

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  For you write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:  

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  You also put my feet in the stocks, And mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet:  

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  Though I am decaying like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten.  

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