Home Master Index
←Prev   Job 13 as rendered by/in  Next→ 


13:1  Job: Look. I’ve seen it all with my eyes, heard and understood it with my ears.
13:2  What you know, I know, too; don’t think I am so far beneath you!
13:3  Let our differences be clear; I am ready to speak to the Highest One, eagerly wanting to argue my case with God.
13:4  But you! You smear me with lies as if to help, but as healers you are worthless.
13:5  Would that you were totally silent. At least that would make you seem wise.
13:6  Please, just listen while I reason this out; lean in to hear how my lips will plead.
13:7  Will you try to defend God’s cause by telling lies? Be deceitful on His behalf?
13:8  Will you show partiality for Him? Argue on His behalf?
13:9  How would you fare if He searched your soul? Do you think you might deceive Him as you would any other person?
13:10  No. He would bring charges against you even if you secretly show partiality.
13:11  Aren’t you horrified at the weight of His majesty? Isn’t the dread of Him enough to drop you where you stand?
13:12  All your quoted proverbs turn to ash; your clever comebacks crumble like brittle towers of clay.
13:13  So keep your mouths shut around me, and let me speak to God. And whatever may come, let it come.
13:14  Why should I lay my body at the mercy of the words of my own mouth or risk my life with only my own hands to defend me?
13:15  Look, He may well kill me, but I will hope in Him. Still I will be ready to argue my case before His very face.
13:16  In fact, this will become my salvation, for the godless wouldn’t even dare to approach Him.
13:17  So then here is my account. Listen carefully! Give me a chance to share my side of the story with you.
13:18  My case is prepared, and I am confident I will be found righteous.
13:19  And yet who will meet me in court to argue the other side? If I am out-argued, then I will stay mute until I die.
13:20  Lord, I ask only two concessions in this case; if You grant them, I will not hide from Your face.
13:21  First, remove Your damaging hand from me; second don’t intimidate me anymore with your terrifying presence.
13:22  Then send me Your summons, and I will reply, or better yet, I will speak first and then You answer me.
13:23  How many counts do You have against me? How many sins must I account for? Spell out the nature of Your indictment against my rebellious ways.
13:24  Why do You hide Your face from me; why is my name now “nemesis” to You?
13:25  Would You waste Your energy to terrify a windblown leaf, or chase down the dry chaff as it tumbles in the breeze?
13:26  For I see bitter accusations against me written in Your own hand; You call me to account for the guilt of my youth.
13:27  You fasten shackles at my ankles but still keep close watch on where I walk, marking the places where my feet may plant themselves.
13:28  This is how a person wastes away to nothing, like something rotten, like moth-eaten clothing.