Job 13
Job asserts his understanding and knowledge are equal to those of his friends, and he desires to argue with God directly. Job criticizes his friends for speaking deceitfully on God's behalf and for trying to justify God's actions. He asks God to reveal his sins and offenses, and to explain why he is being punished, as he is willing to correct his ways and hopes for salvation. Job feels God is treating him harshly, like a leaf blown away by the wind, and that his life is being consumed by suffering.
Behold, my eye has seen all these things, and my ear has heard, and I have understood each oneIn conformity with your knowledge, I also know. I am not inferior to youYet I speak this way to the Almighty, and I desire to argue with Godhaving first shown that you fabricate lies and cultivate perverse teachingsAnd I wish that you would remain silent, so that you would be counted among the wiseTherefore, listen to my correction, and pay attention to the judgment of my lipsDoes God require your lie, so that you would speak deceitfully for himHave you taken his place, and do you struggle to give judgment in favor of GodOr, will it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? Or, will he be deceived, like a man, by your deceitfulnessHe will accuse you because in secret you have preempted his presenceAs soon as he moves himself, he will disturb you, and his dread will fall over youYour remembrance will be compared to ashes, and your necks will be reduced to clayBe silent for a little while, so that I may speak whatever my mind suggests to meWhy do I wound my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my handsAnd now, if he would kill me, I will hope in him; in this, truly, I will correct my ways in his sightAnd he will be my savior, for no hypocrite at all will approach in his sightListen to my words, and perceive an enigma with your earsIf I will be judged, I know that I will be found to be justWho is it that will go to judgment with me? Let him approach. Why should I be consumed in silenceDo not do such things to me twice, and then I will not hide from your faceTake your hand far away from me, and do not let your dread terrify meCall me, and I will answer you, or else I will speak, and you can answer meHow many iniquities and sins do I have? Reveal my crimes and offenses to meWhy do you conceal your face and consider me to be your enemyAgainst a leaf, which is carried away by the wind, you reveal your power, and you pursue dry strawFor you write bitter things against me, and you want to consume me for the sins of my youthYou have put my feet on a tether, and you have observed all my paths, and you have considered the steps of my feetI will be left to decay like something rotten and like a garment that is being eaten by moths
Share this chapter