Job Answers His Friends
13 1 Look, my eye has seen all this; my ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. 3 But I would speak to the Almighty, and I long to argue my case with God. 4 But you whitewash with lies; you are all worthless physicians. 5 If only you would be utterly silent — that would be your wisdom! 6 Now hear my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. 7 Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him? 8 Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God? 9 Would it go well with you when he examines you? Or could you deceive him the way you would deceive a man? 10 He will surely rebuke you if you secretly show partiality. 11 Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you? 12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are made of clay.
13 Be silent before me, and let me speak; let whatever comes fall on me. 14 Why should I put my own flesh at risk and take my life in my own hands? 15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will defend my ways to his face. a a v15 Even in his protest, Job's trust reaches toward God. The full relational breakthrough comes later — Job sees our Father face to face at the end of the book. 16 This too will be my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him. 17 Listen carefully to my words; let my declaration reach your ears. 18 Look, I have prepared my case; I know that I will be vindicated. 19 Who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die.
20 Only grant me two things, and then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 Withdraw your hand far from me, and do not let the dread of you terrify me. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me. 23 How many are my iniquities and my sins? Show me my transgression and my sin. 24 Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy? 25 Will you frighten a wind-driven leaf and chase after dry chaff? 26 For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. 27 You put my feet in the stocks and watch all my paths; you set a limit for the soles of my feet.
28 So man wastes away like rotting wood, like a garment eaten by moths.