Job Pleads His Cause to God

1“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this,

my ears have heard and understood it.

2What you know, I know also;

I am not inferior to you!

3But I wish to speak to the Almighty,

and I desire to argue my case with God.

4But you, however, are inventors of lies;

all of you are worthless physicians!

5If only you would keep completely silent!

For you, that would be wisdom.

6“Listen now to my argument,

and be attentive to my lips’ contentions.

7Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?

Will you speak deceitfully for him?

8Will you show him partiality?

Will you argue the case for God?

9Would it turn out well if he would examine you?

Or as one deceives a man would you deceive him?

10He would certainly rebuke you

if you secretly showed partiality!

11Would not his splendor terrify you

and the fear he inspires fall on you?

12Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;

your defenses are defenses of clay.

13“Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak;

then let come to me what may.

14Why do I put myself in peril,

and take my life in my hands?

15Even if he slays me, I will hope in him;

I will surely defend my ways to his face!

16Moreover, this will become my deliverance,

for no godless person would come before him.

17Listen carefully to my words;

let your ears be attentive to my explanation.

18See now, I have prepared my case;

I know that I am right.

19Who will contend with me?

If anyone can, I will be silent and die.

20Only in two things spare me, O God,

and then I will not hide from your face:

21Remove your hand far from me

and stop making me afraid with your terror.

22Then call, and I will answer,

or I will speak, and you respond to me.

23How many are my iniquities and sins?

Show me my transgression and my sin.

24Why do you hide your face

and regard me as your enemy?

25Do you wish to torment a windblown leaf

and chase after dry chaff?

26For you write down bitter things against me

and cause me to inherit the sins of my youth.

27And you put my feet in the stocks

and you watch all my movements;

you put marks on the soles of my feet.

28So I waste away like something rotten,

like a garment eaten by moths.