13Job 13

2Everything you say, I have heard before. I understand it all; I know as much as you do. I'm not your inferior.Select Job 13:2

3But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him.Select Job 13:3

4You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can't heal anyone.Select Job 13:4

5Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise!Select Job 13:5

6Listen while I state my case.Select Job 13:6

7Why are you lying? Do you think your lies will benefit God?Select Job 13:7

8Are you trying to defend him? Are you going to argue his case in court?Select Job 13:8

9If God looks at you closely, will he find anything good? Do you think you can fool God the way you fool others?Select Job 13:9

10Even though your prejudice is hidden, he will reprimand you,Select Job 13:10

11and his power will fill you with terror.Select Job 13:11

12Your proverbs are as useless as ashes; your arguments are as weak as clay.Select Job 13:12

13Be quiet and give me a chance to speak, and let the results be what they will.Select Job 13:13

14I am ready to risk my life.Select Job 13:14

15I've lost all hope, so what if God kills me? I am going to state my case to him.Select Job 13:15

16It may even be that my boldness will save me, since no wicked person would dare to face God.Select Job 13:16

17Now listen to my words of explanation.Select Job 13:17

18I am ready to state my case, because I know I am in the right.Select Job 13:18

19Are you coming to accuse me, God? If you do, I am ready to be silent and die.Select Job 13:19

20Let me ask for two things; agree to them, and I will not try to hide from you:Select Job 13:20

21stop punishing me, and don't crush me with terror.Select Job 13:21

22Speak first, O God, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and you answer me.Select Job 13:22

23What are my sins? What wrongs have I done? What crimes am I charged with?Select Job 13:23

24Why do you avoid me? Why do you treat me like an enemy?Select Job 13:24

25Are you trying to frighten me? I'm nothing but a leaf; you are attacking a piece of dry straw.Select Job 13:25

26You bring bitter charges against me, even for what I did when I was young.Select Job 13:26

27You bind chains on my feet; you watch every step I take, and even examine my footprints.Select Job 13:27

28As a result, I crumble like rotten wood, like a moth-eaten coat.Select Job 13:28